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Backlash over "young people" being blamed for a Coronavirus spike

Photo credit: carlo prearo - Getty Images
Photo credit: carlo prearo - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

If there's one thing this year has been dominated by, it's coronavirus. We've all made sacrifices, including being separated from loved ones and having to cancel special events, such as weddings and holidays, all for the greater good – after all, nobody wants to be responsible for anybody else falling ill. Many have sadly lost loved ones to COVID-19 too, along with thousands being made redundant.

So taking all that into account, it's probably not surprising that there's been a bit of backlash to recent comments from government advisors, who are saying younger people are to blame for a recent uptake in the number of cases recorded in the UK.

"People have relaxed too much," said Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. He added that the nation must start taking preventative measures "very seriously again [or we'll be in for a] bumpy ride over the next few months". On Monday, government data revealed there were 2,948 daily confirmed cases – the second biggest 24-hour jump since May.

As for where younger people come into the story, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, told LBC radio, "It’s actually among more affluent younger people where we have seen the rise. The rise in the number of cases we’ve seen over the last few days is largely among younger people: under-25s, especially between 17 and 21. Even though you’re at lower risk of dying from COVID-19 if you’re under 25, you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences."

Photo credit: Mareen Fischinger - Getty Images
Photo credit: Mareen Fischinger - Getty Images

These comments, while important to acknowledge, have been met with resistance from said younger generation. One of whom, prolific activist Munroe Bergdorf, pointed out that actually... maybe the government's campaigns encouraging people to Eat Out To Help Out, to get back to the office, and to make up for lost time, maybe weren't such a great idea after all.

In response to a headline proclaiming 'Young people largely behind steep rise in UK Covid Cases – Hancock', Munroe wrote, "Maybe because you literally told young people to get back out there to pubs, bars and restaurants to save the economy @MattHancock. These jokers are something else." Which is err, actually a pretty valid point.

Another user, Dominique Samuels, expressed a similar view. "This is a stupid decision and trying to pin it on young people is the most pathetic cop out. Cases were inevitably going to spike once lockdown rules were eased, testing significantly increased and daily deaths have plummeted. Unnecessary."

A third, Barnaby Edwards, said, "Government ends furlough schemes, forcing young people back to work... Government orders colleges to reopen, forcing students to attend... Government encourages young people into pubs... Coronavirus increases dramatically among the young... Government blames young people."

Yesterday, it was announced that gatherings in England will be restricted to no more than six people – both in and outdoors – from Monday onwards. Currently, up to 30 are allowed to congregate at any one time in an outdoor space. This number differs in other parts of the UK.

Let's keep up the mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing, everyone!

The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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