To be fair, I don't recall any promises, as such. The media are whipping everyone up too much, all nations need to walk through this pandemic, not run, and it really is an ever-changing situation as the data comes through. Personally I do expect more freedoms to come (controlled environments like schools, restaurants etc), but we won't be going back to normal for some time I expect, the social distancing will be for a while yet.
Sadly, the risk is not just for yourself but to those around you, so no, it's not just your choice. At some point though, once we have quick vaccination programmes for everyone who wants one - hopefully later this year - then there'll come a point when we can say if you don't want one then it's your choice, but we're a bit away from that yet.
Keep the spirit, mate, we'll get there.