Finally we can go outside

[Nerdvana]

It sounds like it’s still going to be awhile at home, especially for us that are extremely clinically vulnerable. However, I’m excited to go for my first walk in 3 months today. Going for long walks is the best way for me to get exercise and it’s good for my mental wellbeing also (as well as a way to drop the weight I’ve put on in last 3 months😬). Is anybody else excited to just being able to leave the front garden? x

[Buffy14]

I have been going for walks with my dog during the lockdown , I didn't at first but then the government said use common sense , something they don't do themselves , common sense tells me that going for a walk with my dog early in the morning or late evening when there is no-one around cannot do any harm . If I did see anyone it was rare and I simply walked in the opposite direction or crossed over the road to avoid them . It's just been said by Susannah reed on good morning Britain that surely the shielding would have been better off going for a walk when the lockdown was on as it was quiet then rather than now when lockdown has been eased and thousands of people are ignoring the rules now as we have seen on packed beaches and in parks , I will only be excited when they allow us to hug our grandchildren again and go shopping again x

[Nerdvana in reply to Buffy14]

Very fair Buffy. I decided to wait till government said so as I live with my parents and I’d worry them if I went for a walk when it was apparently not safe yet. Susannah makes a good point, I wonder if this question will be asked during briefing? Feels like we were left behind and forgotten about for awhile as I’d been waiting weeks for government to mention the vulnerable. I hope it isn’t long till you get to hug your grandchildren again x

[Dreams2rememeber]

I am apprehensive but excited to go for my first walk today. Not so much for myself but for my two children who have stayed by my side. We are only going to have a walk around the block but I feel that will do them the world of good.

I hope you enjoy your walk.

X

[Nerdvana in reply to Dreams2rememeber]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy yours too or at least it brings smiles to your children. It’s thanks to my mum that I feel safe to go for a walk x

[happytulip]

I'm not budging until I've spoken to my clinical team. They know my complex history, no one else.

But I wish everyone who is going out a happy time.

[MEGS53]

I'm not straying further than my back garden until I see the magic R number much lower than it is now.

But everyone has to make their own decision based on their own circumstances. To those that chose to go out - enjoy!

[tree_shadow]

I actually got a phone call today to tell me NOT to go outside.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to tree_shadow]

Hi tree_shadow . That's really interesting. Was this call from a member of your healthcare team? Was it someone from your GP Practice or Rheumatology Clinic?

[happytulip in reply to Paul_Howard]

Someone on the NRAS had a call from NHS England and had a statement read out to them saying the same. It’s trending on their site now so this isn’t an isolated case.

[DJK99 in reply to happytulip]

Hi HT - which site is it on please? I had a quick look on NHS and NRAS sites and couldn't find it - I guess you mean the Healthunlocked NRAS hub? Thanks

[happytulip in reply to DJK99]

Yes, I think the person was called bubblyalex .

[happytulip in reply to happytulip]

On NRAS HU site.

[DJK99 in reply to happytulip]

Nope not known. Anyway he was just saying he had a call yes? Not directing us to a published letter etc? Will just keep watching this space... Thanks HT

[happytulip in reply to DJK99]

Weird. I can see it on NRAS HU site.

bubblyalex. Post start "Wow..another idea about Gov going out" or something like that.

But yes, definitely states they got a phone call from NHS England and had a statement bread to them. They double checked it wasn't a hoax too.

[DJK99 in reply to happytulip]

Ta everso

[tree_shadow in reply to Paul_Howard]

just local council I think. Not sure. Same people that organise the sending of the food parcels.

[tit4tat]

Going for my 1st walk since March, now my hay fever has kicked in, so I'll be keeping away from the elderflowers. This will be the early morning shift. I think Lucy is also excited about me taking her out.

[Treetop33]

I live in a rural area so went for walks when the lockdown was full on anyway. It's more difficult now because people are less observant of social distancing and you get lots of funny looks if you wear a mask. I'm still going out a couple of times a week but have to choose my times carefully. Early morning is best.

[Loopylupus71]

I was really anxious going out for a walk yesterday for the first time since April 6. It was very strange being out but nice being away from my noisy neighbours and their very loud music/shouting, drilling and constant hammering all day 😬. Stay safe everyone xx

[Nerdvana in reply to Loopylupus71]

I can relate, my neighbours like to be noisy too 😂 I got a little anxious when I first had to stay at a distance from people walking by, but got better over time x

[Loopylupus71 in reply to Nerdvana]

Nothing like ignorant neighbours 😩. I went really early yesterday to avoid people. It will be strange at first but hopefully will get used

To seeing people. It’s all so surreal isn’t it xx

[Nerdvana in reply to Loopylupus71]

Yes it is really surreal xx

[Wendy39]

Hello

My mum came to my garden yesterday with my brother. My mum is high risk due to high blood pressure, which according to some stats accounts for as many as 75% of deaths in some areas. My brother has stayed with her, so she isn’t alone.

They sat in the garden for an hour. It was lovely. My children haven’t seen her since the lockdown.

She also inspected the garden. 🤣 She doesn’t have one in her flat and she’s a keen gardener, so she does a lot in ours. We passed her critical eye test.

A hug would have been nice but it’s better than nothing.

Tonight, I’m going with my family for a walk on the beach. We’ll go later when it’s cooler (struggling in this heat and UV!!!) and quieter. I am anxious about getting back out there. But will take tentative steps.

If something feels wrong, I’ll change it or avoid it.

I guess we’ve got to start somewhere.

But saying that, the R rate in my county is 0.25 and the neighbouring county 0.05. So we’re lucky. Overall Wales is 0.8 but I believe that this is due to the high deaths in Cardiff and Newport, 2 hours drive from me.

If I was living somewhere with higher deaths I think I’d be staying in.

Best wishes

Wendy

[Nerdvana in reply to Wendy39]

I’m glad you’re now able to see your mum Wendy. She sounds as much as a garden lover as my dad, he will walk around the garden all afternoon checking on all of the flowers 😂

Have a fun time on the beach, sounds very peaceful walking on the beach at nighttime. Stay safe x

[Sara_A]

I was keen to get out as I had been getting out a lot b4 all of this with my young dog 1 yr old, we got him to help me get out more to help with my anxiety and to get me out everyday and I love dogs have always had dogs growing up and wanted kids to have one too.

Anyway I was keen to get out but still worried but the fields behind our house are easy to see if anyone is coming, I first went with partner and kids (4and 7yrs) so I didn't have to touch the gate. I now go most afternoons or 6pm ish and take some kitchen roll or something to touch the gate with and make sure I wash my hands when I get back.

2nd time I went I felt really rough the next day and had a massive panic and thought oh no what have I done!! Why did I go out it really wasn't worth it! But I was fine it was just a combination of the hot weather the exercise and then the rain just floored me for a day or 2 as it does to us!!

Its important for me to get out as I suffer with anxiety etc and this really helps me, I wouldn't however fel happy walking down the road or anything as yet just a very secluded field talking to Ted my cockapoo!

It's an individual decision like people say and depends how u feel, I was excited to go out but then I did think well actually not much has changed theres still loads of deaths 300 + a day at the time and I'm still immunosuppressed!! But it was just time for me personally.