Here we go again. The call for all kinds of relaxations motivated by all kinds of interests is very loud.
It is interesting to see how, in this way, the responsibility is placed on the decision-makers: they have to give a date, they have to make the impossible choice between the different interests and if they choose wrongly, it is their 'fault'.
And it is precisely in these times that psychological wellbeing is on the decline. Too much negative reporting, hopelessness due to promises and prospects that cannot be fulfilled after all, ... you would think less ...
What if we were to turn this responsibility around: every citizen is given the 'freedom' to do those things that contribute to a corona safe way of dealing with each other. The decision-makers, in consultation with science (and that means not only epidemiologists, vaccinologists, virologists, but also other disciplines (economics, psychology, sociology, law, etc.)), set the limits. From this point onwards, this can be done, from this point onwards, this must be done. In this way, every right-minded citizen is given a goal to which he or she can contribute (fewer infections, sufficient vaccination coverage, etc.) He or she knows what to do in the various phases and is supported in this by a government that develops provisions and support as well as enforcement.
No more promises, no more dates, but clear limits and phases. And for each phase: what we are allowed to do, what we must do and what we can do to progress to the next phase. Supported by positive actions, testimonies, good practices on all media. And why not do the phasing per region, so that we do not contribute to a large mass, but see almost immediate results of our actions: we have got our region or our municipality below the threshold, the pubs can open again. If we go over the threshold again, we close them down. It's a bit like football: if you lose, you don't continue. If you win, you move on to the next stage.
The chalk circles, staggered benches, respectful queues at the baker's, meeting in front gardens, talking to each other if you are standing too close, avoiding busy places or waiting to enter the shop if it seems too busy, working from home for a while and having virtual coffees and finding that ok because you know you are contributing to the transition to the next phase.
And for those who cut corners, we need a little enforcement. Just like for those who insist on speeding through built-up areas at 90 kilometres an hour. Speed camera, fine, done. And if there is no other way, punishment.