Life during lockdown
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9736 Londoners have responded | 27/03/2020 - 09/06/2020
Discussions
Cultural activities after COVID-19
Culture and the creative industries contribute £52 billion to London’s economy every year and provide one in six jobs in London. Essential lockdown measures introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus have had a catastrophic impact on the sector. Research from the culture trade body The Creative Industries Federation suggests that 60% of creative organisations won’t survive the next two months. Half of the industry’s workforce is self-employed or freelance and many creative industries businesses are excluded from business rates relief and grants from Government.
This is a snapshot of some of the ways City Hall is supporting culture, creative industries and night time businesses:
- Culture at Risk Business Support Fund to help save grassroots music venues; LGBTQ+ venues; independent cinemas; and creative workspaces.
- London Community Response Fund launched 14th April is also supporting arts and culture.
- PayItForward crowdfunding platform launched to help businesses trade by pre-selling vouchers, goods and services.
- Lobbying Government – to urge them to fund the survival of the creative economy and support self-employed workers.
- London Together – to help Londoners in lockdown access culture and educational resources from home.
- Cultural programmes – supporting existing cultural and trade programmes (London Games Festival and London Fashion Week online; Brent Unlocked giving skills training and support for local artists as part of Brent Borough of Culture).
- World Culture Cities Forum – weekly meetings with cities across the world to look at common ways of achieving exit and recovery.
- Recovery Planning – working with promotional agency London & Partners and industry partners to prepare cultural venues and creative industries to emerge safely from lockdown.
The discussion ran from 05 June 2020 - 05 September 2020
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Log into your accountMike Solomons
Community Member 5 years ago.
More stupidity!
Can't you understand, we've been hit by the most serious epidemic since Polio, or the "Spanish 'flu"?
It is wrong, bordering on wicked to encourage any non essential situations where people meet up in public...
Show full comment.
More stupidity!
Can't you understand, we've been hit by the most serious epidemic since Polio, or the "Spanish 'flu"?
It is wrong, bordering on wicked to encourage any non essential situations where people meet up in public.
For the avoidance of doubt, unless it is your intention to hurt and kill Londoners, it is the job of the Mayor's office to discourage all non essential travel, all non essential public events.
PLEASE STOP TRYING TO KILL LONDONERS.
IF YOU DO NOT STOP THIS STUPIDITY, YOU NOT ONLY WILL BE OUT ON YOUR EAR AT THE NEXT ELECTIONS, BUT MIGHT BE PROSECUTED.
Yes, I am very angry as I see your stupid policies killing a lot of people.
.
Show less of commentTalk London
Official Representative 5 years agoHi Mike
Thanks for sharing your views in this discussion.
As the Government has announced that more businesses can start to reopen as of Saturday 4 July, we’re keen to understand how Londoners feel about that and what kind of precautions would make them feel safe and comfortable attending these businesses again.
There is a lot of guidance available on the City Hall website on going out in a COVID-19 safe way: https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/re-opening-london-safely
From the webpage:
As lockdown eases further, we must all keep playing our part to control the spread of COVID-19. Please go out and support London’s brilliant local businesses and cultural attractions. But, when doing so, always remember that lives are still at stake. Please stick to the rules, act responsibly and stay safe at all times.
There are some simple things you can do to play your part:
- Maintain a 2 metre distance from others wherever possible
- Wear a face covering if you can’t stay a safe distance from others - this includes in shops and other enclosed spaces
- Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser with you
- Continue to limit contact with others, and if you’re meeting up indoors, remember you can only meet with one other household
- Avoid public transport if possible. If you have to use it, you must wear a face covering
- Stay away from large groups of people
- When you set out, make sure you have a facial covering
If you or someone in your household feels unwell, stay at home. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS website.
We hope this helps.
Stay safe,
Talk London
Talk London
Official Representative 5 years agoThanks everyone for joining us in this discussion on cultural activities. It’s great to so see so many comments.
A lot of you shared your concerns around using public transport to get to venues or events in central London.
What about your local area? What kind of cultural organisations or activities are available nearby? What types of organisations or activities would you like to see in your local area?
Stay safe,
Talk London
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years ago1. Enforcement of mask-wearing with fines, especially on public transport. If I get COVID it will KILL ME (old, cancer, radiation).
2. Sainsbury's and LIDL in Morden are always overcrowded and almost no masks.
3. Perhaps musical events...
Show full comment1. Enforcement of mask-wearing with fines, especially on public transport. If I get COVID it will KILL ME (old, cancer, radiation).
2. Sainsbury's and LIDL in Morden are always overcrowded and almost no masks.
3. Perhaps musical events which can be viewed from the windows of our homes? A roving orchestra? I would pay.
4. I have an Unlimited Pass to ODEON, but I cannot imagine anything they can do to (a) protect customers and (b) make a profit.
5. More on-site temperature testing, with enforcement of refusal to enter.
Show less of commentheathercowen
Community Member 5 years agoIt's difficult to say what I'll feel comfortable doing till we know what will happen. If the virus is eliminated, as in New Zealand, or if there's an effective vaccine, then I'll plunge back into London's cultural life with joy. Theatre...
Show full commentIt's difficult to say what I'll feel comfortable doing till we know what will happen. If the virus is eliminated, as in New Zealand, or if there's an effective vaccine, then I'll plunge back into London's cultural life with joy. Theatre, concerts, choirs, evening classes are what I really want back. Not bothered about pubs and restaurants really, don't give a damn about shopping.
You don't ask about transport - I need to use the the Tube to get into central London, so I need to feel that that is safe.
In the meantime, we need massive investment to support the cultural industries and all those who work in them - most of whom are freelancers. Otherwise there will be very little left to return to.
Show less of commentPurbeckHeath
Community Member 5 years agoWell said Heather. I believed Germany is investing billions in their arts industries, and with our reputation for outstanding arts and creativity we should be doing the same.
Show full commentWell said Heather. I believed Germany is investing billions in their arts industries, and with our reputation for outstanding arts and creativity we should be doing the same.
Show less of commentLondonW4
Community Member 5 years agoElimination strategy will never work. The virus is everywhere. All of this conversation about "safety" and "killer virus" is absurd. Life went on as normal in 1968 and things were much, much worse. The one-lane, myopic view about COVID is...
Show full commentElimination strategy will never work. The virus is everywhere. All of this conversation about "safety" and "killer virus" is absurd. Life went on as normal in 1968 and things were much, much worse. The one-lane, myopic view about COVID is astounding. Furlough can't last forever!
Show less of commentVkl1108
Community Member 5 years agoA vaccine and track and trace that works better than current system. Social distancing and compulsory wearing of face coverings enforces at crowded indoor venues. Social distancing at pubs and restaurants.
I support theatre, live music...
Show full commentA vaccine and track and trace that works better than current system. Social distancing and compulsory wearing of face coverings enforces at crowded indoor venues. Social distancing at pubs and restaurants.
I support theatre, live music, grassroots arts and music, community arts and museums. Appreciate your efforts to save London’s creative industries. But government needs to do much much more and put a concrete plan with funds in place. The actor Ian McKellan is putting up to £40,000 of his own money in a matching scheme through crowd funding. You don’t see such generosity from the government. Many new freelancers in the arts are unable to access funds through the current schemes. We are one of the world cultural capitals and the arts contribute to our well being and community as well as bringing in money locally and from abroad. For me Shopping is not important and pubs only if not too crowded. I understand that the hospitality industry is suffering but also need to feel safe when going out for a drink or meal. Thanks
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoThis site is very buggy on Apple Macintosh, OSX Mojave, Safari browser. "Post comment" button does not work in replies to others.
Show full commentThis site is very buggy on Apple Macintosh, OSX Mojave, Safari browser. "Post comment" button does not work in replies to others.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years ago@TrayCat
The destruction in the body by COVID is not just to the lungs, but to many organs of the body, killing the old and leaving the middle aged requiring support for the rest of their lives. Even the young find kidney, liver, brain...
Show full comment@TrayCat
The destruction in the body by COVID is not just to the lungs, but to many organs of the body, killing the old and leaving the middle aged requiring support for the rest of their lives. Even the young find kidney, liver, brain and lung damage, and more every day.
To ignore COVID would kill an estimated 6-12 million (MILLION) people in the UK, you twerp.
Show less of commentMike Solomons
Community Member 5 years ago.
It appears, WilliamD, you are calling the Mayor a Twerp.
Why so mild?
This latest initiative is plain wicked.
Otherwise I agree with you.
.
Show full comment.
It appears, WilliamD, you are calling the Mayor a Twerp.
Why so mild?
This latest initiative is plain wicked.
Otherwise I agree with you.
.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoEven the most extreme model from Neil Ferguson only predicted 0.5million deaths in the UK, and this is based on no treatments being available (e.g. dexamethasone), and the NHS potentially under strain (the NHS is currently at half its...
Show full commentEven the most extreme model from Neil Ferguson only predicted 0.5million deaths in the UK, and this is based on no treatments being available (e.g. dexamethasone), and the NHS potentially under strain (the NHS is currently at half its capacity, at least in London.
Please stop scaring people unnecessarily. There is no link between kidney/liver/brain damage and Covid-19. My partner is a doctor, for context, and what you are saying is not helping people.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoTypical Tory incompetence. Great plans to great fanfare (but no new money).
Compulsory masks for public transport, but no enforcers or fines.
It's just fine for the government knobs to ride in limos, or private cars, and they just don't...
Show full commentTypical Tory incompetence. Great plans to great fanfare (but no new money).
Compulsory masks for public transport, but no enforcers or fines.
It's just fine for the government knobs to ride in limos, or private cars, and they just don't care.
Company owners lock down their families, and demand workers come to unsafe workplaces.
It's all just HOT AIR, POISONOUS AIR.
If I get COVID, it will kill me. (Cancer, radiation, chemo)
Show less of commentMike Solomons
Community Member 5 years ago.
Don't blame the Tories, it's "the system". You and I are concerned for ourselves but the political parties look at the wider picture. If a percentage die they do not have a vote so don't matter. They want to look good for those who...
Show full comment.
Don't blame the Tories, it's "the system". You and I are concerned for ourselves but the political parties look at the wider picture. If a percentage die they do not have a vote so don't matter. They want to look good for those who live.
I run a small "one man business", (no employees), which I closed on March 17th, a week before the Government closed everyone down. My shop remains closed and probably will not open until next spring at the earliest. Financially it's a disaster, but, so far, my wife and I have remained well. That is more important than money.
Regarding transport, I walk, cycle or drive. I have a free travel pass for public transport, (I'm 72), but take the view that if a mask is needed, it's not safe. If I can't travel safely I will stay home.
We live in terrible times.
.
Show less of commentAnka25
Community Member 5 years agoMasks and vaccine to be made optional. Not everyone can wear one and also who eve says they are not effective. I feel safe and this virus worldwide has mortality rate of only 0.01%. I don't believe in whatever mainstream media is serving us...
Show full commentMasks and vaccine to be made optional. Not everyone can wear one and also who eve says they are not effective. I feel safe and this virus worldwide has mortality rate of only 0.01%. I don't believe in whatever mainstream media is serving us and I'm sure there's something else behind this so called pandemy. If it was so serious, they wouldn't be on TV all the time, they'd be hidden away in some bunkers and everything would be closed still. Social distance is a term invented by Cia in the fifties to prevent people from organizing in groups. They're breaking the worldwide child trafficking ring as we speak and it's easier to do so with people locked away and borders closed. Watch American fox news
Show less of commentNiRagh
Community Member 5 years agoI will only feel safe & comfortable attending a cultural event/venue inside when a Tested and proven Vaccine to Covid-19 is widely available.
Meanwhile, I would be happy to attend an outside event/venue when the following criteria are met...
Show full commentI will only feel safe & comfortable attending a cultural event/venue inside when a Tested and proven Vaccine to Covid-19 is widely available.
Meanwhile, I would be happy to attend an outside event/venue when the following criteria are met by the venue:
- The number of people attending is controlled so that it is possible to stay 2 Metres apart
- Deep cleaning of all communal areas e.g. toilets, food areas (bars, tables, chairs) etc
- Proper hand washing and toilet facilities are available
- Face masks worn by public and staff
On a government Level:
- A clear message from the government on how to stay safe ie use of face coverings, social distancing etc We all know that everyone has a different level of social awareness and common sense.
- Track and Trace is managed & coordinated by appropriately trained staff & held on central records.
- Regular, coordinated Virus Testing of all NHS Staff and Care workers with reporting held on central NHS records
- Honesty from the government regarding reporting of R number and deaths in all settings. So far reporting has been ambiguous.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoA vaccine is not guaranteed, just to warn you in case you were planning on never attending an indoors cultural event for the rest of your life!
Show full commentA vaccine is not guaranteed, just to warn you in case you were planning on never attending an indoors cultural event for the rest of your life!
Show less of commentNiRagh
Community Member 5 years agoDear Untapped57,
- These sort of smart-alec comments are really not helpful. It demonstrates a lack of respect for other members of the community by assuming that the person making the post is less knowledgeable, educated or...
Show full commentDear Untapped57,
- These sort of smart-alec comments are really not helpful. It demonstrates a lack of respect for other members of the community by assuming that the person making the post is less knowledgeable, educated or intelligent than yourself. Ultimately, they can have the effect of deterring others from contributing which is not the aim of this forum.
- To put my comments in context, I studied science at 3rd level and have worked in the NHS in research in immunology. Thus, I understand how vaccines are developed and work.
- I have many contacts in the medical world including those very close to me in my family. Interestingly, those whom I have asked with regard to attending public events or using public transport, it has been those who are ‘in the know’ scientifically & medically who have unanimously stated they would not go to these until a vaccine has been developed and an immunisation program has been rolled out.
- Furthermore, I have personal experience of Covid-19. My husband was infected with it at work in his hospital and I can tell you that it was a very scary experience. It is not something you want to catch.
- Finally, these contributions are personal. However, what people are prepared to do by taking risks with their health effects the whole community and requires a level of social responsibility. We have to work together if we want to enjoy the cultural events that London has to offer. STAY SAFE!
Show less of commentAdwalton
Community Member 5 years agoBeing over 70 I will not feel safe until there is a vaccine or a cure that works. For months the government told us that masks were of no use. Now they are supposed to be mandatory on public transport. People are not observing social...
Show full commentBeing over 70 I will not feel safe until there is a vaccine or a cure that works. For months the government told us that masks were of no use. Now they are supposed to be mandatory on public transport. People are not observing social distancing, particularly staff in supermarkets. I cannot see the point of pubs opening if distancing has to be observed. People go to pubs to meet friends, not sit alone drinking, so might as well stay at home to drink for far less cost
I cannot see how theatres etc can open. To have proper social distancing, they would need to be only a third full, so wouldn't be financially viable. Not to mention the actors, dancers, musicians etc who need to be in close contact. So for me, lock down will have to continue indefinitely
Show less of commentSuttonserenade
Community Member 5 years agoWhy is there no enforcement on wearing face masks on any public transport! Obvious flouting of the rules like taking off masks as soon as you have entered a tube station or just not wearing masks on buses. It needs to be sorted!
Show full commentWhy is there no enforcement on wearing face masks on any public transport! Obvious flouting of the rules like taking off masks as soon as you have entered a tube station or just not wearing masks on buses. It needs to be sorted!
Show less of commentCarl9
Community Member 5 years agohappy to get out and about with decent safety provisions.
Well managed and enforced to protect the nhs those at risk.
Slow infection rates
Whilst trying to give business a way out of huge mess from lack of early lockdown.
Lets not...
Show full commenthappy to get out and about with decent safety provisions.
Well managed and enforced to protect the nhs those at risk.
Slow infection rates
Whilst trying to give business a way out of huge mess from lack of early lockdown.
Lets not waste 3 months of discomfort. Another lockdown in winter will be horrible so let’s be sensible and find a way for us to feel comfortable in getting back out in the real world until a vaccine arrives hopefully soon.
its not just about me it’s about nhs capacity and those at risk.
Whilst finding a way for people to feel safe enough that they will spend money on cultural events keeping them viable for the future.
The younger generations will need work in the future so it’s in their interest to think about the bigger picture.
The health of others and a way to keep business alive. Otherwise nobody will have faith or reassurances in going out. If others don’t respect distance and masks. Then another lockdown with greater job losses will happen the government can’t afford more furloughs and we will have to pay for it in the future anyhow.
So lets keep it sane. Lets be safe reduce infection. create barriers to the virus but find a way to a normal that will work.
otherwise we just say the virus can do as it pleases. The nhs will be placed under strain, those workers we all clapped for will face huge hardships. People will die.
Some feel they don’t mind taking a risk but they are not thinking of others when they say this. Business will only thrive when we all feel safe and find a way to progress with the situation
We can ramp up freedoms as we get more on top of the situation. We clearly haven’t as yet
Show less of commentFred2
Community Member 5 years agoWhat will it take to make you feel safe and comfortable again attending a cultural event or venue?
The availability of an approved vaccine and more widespread testing.
The public demonstrating sensible behaviour once the initial release...
Show full commentWhat will it take to make you feel safe and comfortable again attending a cultural event or venue?
The availability of an approved vaccine and more widespread testing.
The public demonstrating sensible behaviour once the initial release from lockdown has calmed. Then I want to see people wearing face masks in crowded spaces and making an effort to be considerate and respect social distancing whenever possible.
What are the types of cultural organisations or activities you would feel most or least comfortable visiting when they re-open, and why?
Concert halls, galleries and open air events not involving huge crowds would be in my "most comfortable" category as they can most easily allow good social distancing
Restaurants, Theatres, cinemas are medium risk once face masks are in general use
Crowded indoor venues and pubs are in my "least comfortable" category as the risk of poor behaviour and interpersonal consideration is least likely.
Show less of commentDannyK
Community Member 5 years agoWhy isn't the wearing of masks on public transport being enforced?
Yet another example of Khan's incompetence.
Just a few Transport Police and a few quick prosecutions would make all the difference.
Hospital has told me when coming in...
Show full commentWhy isn't the wearing of masks on public transport being enforced?
Yet another example of Khan's incompetence.
Just a few Transport Police and a few quick prosecutions would make all the difference.
Hospital has told me when coming in next week to avoid public transport.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoI have really developed an appreciation of culture during lockdown. It turns out that I didn't miss any of the shops at all, but I really missed art, museums, music, theatre. Digital offerings are no real substitute to experiencing culture...
Show full commentI have really developed an appreciation of culture during lockdown. It turns out that I didn't miss any of the shops at all, but I really missed art, museums, music, theatre. Digital offerings are no real substitute to experiencing culture live, in a room with other people. Until there is a vaccine (and possibly even after that) there will be an element of risk with any activity, even having food delivered to your door and never leaving your house. But life needs to be lived, and culture, in all its forms, is essential for that.
Show less of commentMayorScommentS2
Community Member 5 years agoThe government should immediately make it compulsory to wear face masks on any public travel services and busy indoor places, due to some not adhering to guidelines. This helps protect yourself and other vulnerable people. Going forward l...
Show full commentThe government should immediately make it compulsory to wear face masks on any public travel services and busy indoor places, due to some not adhering to guidelines. This helps protect yourself and other vulnerable people. Going forward l and many others want normality back but we cannot just ignore what is happening and we need to learn from other countries that are keeping numbers down with the virus. I and many thousands are in the vulnerable category and this virus will not go quickly, we are in for a second wave as things turn to normal again. The government need to lay out easy steps that people understand I.E 1,2,3,4,5 etc I do not expect the government will make it compulsory to wear masks but if they want us to get back to normal then WHY have they not put this in place? Do they want many to die ??
Show less of commentJemimaAnn
Community Member 5 years agoSome things have worked surprisingly well online: my art class has become more of a supportive community; I don't have to travel to work meetings as we can do them OK via Zoom. But I really miss the whole "going out" experience: getting...
Show full commentSome things have worked surprisingly well online: my art class has become more of a supportive community; I don't have to travel to work meetings as we can do them OK via Zoom. But I really miss the whole "going out" experience: getting dressed up; a glass of wine in the bar; discussing the performance in the interval; and so on.
The two things that put me off going out in the limited way we can: wearing a face covering (I feel as though I'm suffocating) and the closure of public and store toilets. I understand the necessity of wearing a face covering on public transport. I haven't yet tried visiting a museum or gallery wearing a mask and I'm not looking forward to it. I think this will be a big limiting factor on my cultural activities.
Show less of commenttraycat
Community Member 5 years agoIn the winter of 2008/2009 80,000 died in the UK from avian (bird) flu. No lockdown or other restrictions then so why now with Covid 19?? Why is that avian flu never referred to?? We should not call Covid 19 'corona virus' as a common...
Show full commentIn the winter of 2008/2009 80,000 died in the UK from avian (bird) flu. No lockdown or other restrictions then so why now with Covid 19?? Why is that avian flu never referred to?? We should not call Covid 19 'corona virus' as a common cold is a corona virus and there are many corona viruses.
Show less of commentredwayk
Community Member 5 years agoDiesel cars should be banned. They are completely unnecessary and encourage people to buy vehicles that are far larger than they actually require. Keep diesel on the farm! Also, please consider the elderly and disabled who cannot cycle and...
Show full commentDiesel cars should be banned. They are completely unnecessary and encourage people to buy vehicles that are far larger than they actually require. Keep diesel on the farm! Also, please consider the elderly and disabled who cannot cycle and may be unable to walk far, if at all. It's OK to improve cycling facilities but please keep cyclists safely separate from pedestrians who are vulnerable to the minority of cyclists who are idiots.
Show less of commentkikiandzsazsa
Community Member 5 years agoPlease open London's libraries and archives. People need to be inspired by books more than ever! I work as a freelance writer/researcher and since the libraries closed in March I have been unable to complete any commissioned work nor take...
Show full commentPlease open London's libraries and archives. People need to be inspired by books more than ever! I work as a freelance writer/researcher and since the libraries closed in March I have been unable to complete any commissioned work nor take on any new projects. This also means I haven't earned any money. I am not eligible for Universal Credit and so it has been very, very difficult financially. I am certain that libraries/archives could run a system whereby the staff don't have to come into close contact with the public - books, documents, etc., could be ordered using chits and libraries could set a limit on the amount of people admitted (supermarkets have been doing this since March). Archives could operate a booking system (many already do this.) Access to books is so important for people of all ages so please don't deprive us any longer.
Show less of commentjillix3000
Community Member 5 years agoWe can't live in lockdown forever. The NHS is past the peak and are no longer in danger of being overwhelmed so it is time to get the economy back on track. I fear the long term economic impacts of an extended lockdown on many people. The...
Show full commentWe can't live in lockdown forever. The NHS is past the peak and are no longer in danger of being overwhelmed so it is time to get the economy back on track. I fear the long term economic impacts of an extended lockdown on many people. The government does not have a bottomless pocket to keep paying furlough programs particularly as more businesses fold, people lose their jobs and the tax revenues dry up. It's time to open things up, get public transport back to full service and get all children back to school. I for one am willing to take on some risk in exchange to live life...in real life, not online!
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 5 years agoVery well said. I totally agree.
Show full commentVery well said. I totally agree.
Show less of comment