So the barriers are starting to be lifted for those of us that were having to shield. It is encourage see the risk of contracting Covid 19 is on a downwards path, but having seen pictures of the thousands of people who seem to think we are back to normal - which we definitely are not - I am opting to to remain vigilant and stay home as much as possible. My risk factors have not changed and the consequences of catching the virus don't beat thinking about.
So from a purely personal standpoint, I think it's too soon to start mixing (even though I would dearly love to see my new grandson who was born in Tuesday) as the risk outweighs the benefits, but I would be interested to hear other points of view.
Stay safe
John (ET, 70+, previous TIA)
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Hi John, , I'm with you in thinking it's too early. Especially here in the North West , I guess we're not on Westminster radar, or map for that matter. Numbers all across the NW continue to rise and Blackpool is up another 15 over the weekend.
For many there hasn't really been a lockdown and now the Govt are relaxing the rules a bit it's been a free for all down the beach here at Blackpool and all along the coast, not a parking space to be had for later arrivals. I could hear the traffic on the main road in very early this morning as I had the window open due to let some air in. Similar on beaches across the land. I forsee numbers creeping back up in the next few weeks across the board at this rate.
So I for one won't be rushing out for several weeks and until the numbers start falling drastically.
Hi Chris how are you doing ? Hope life is being kind to you despite all you have been through.
Isn’t life very strange at the moment, it almost seems so unreal, but we have to accept it’s happening.
I have friends and family in Australia and New Zealand, and they have been telling me just how well they have coped with not that many deaths not like us here in the UK, but both countries really did clamp down on people and it worked, it’s only just now in Aus that they are starting to slowly come out of lockdown without to much hardship, for us god only knows when this will all end, hopefully one day very soon.
Hi Jean, yes you are right. 12 deaths here in NZ. The majority were from two rest homes where probably a staff member took it in, which was very sad. I think Australia, have done better in some states as they didnt shut down the economy as much as us. NZ economy has done a big hit with thousands unemployed. We are now sitting at level two!! A lot people crying out for level one to get everyone back at work!!! We have only one known active case now, with no new cases for over a week. I actually think they are planning on now cutting down on testing for COVID!!! I am still working at my local hospital, all elective surgery is back up and running so that is so good for our patients. Hope you are well Jean, my ET remains stable which great. I have to say this has been a very stressful time but can imagine now bad it has been for you all in the UK. Hope it will all improve soon. Love Lyn x
Hi there, you are very lucky in New Zealand to only have a low population per size of country and this has helped tremendously I feel. In UK we have many areas where there are very large population bubbles which has not helped with the rate of spread of this virus.
I think this population spread will have some bearing on us who are shielding. I live in a rural area and must admit I have been out walking, daily, and only on one outing did I come across someone and kept a huge distance. Walking always keeps me on track mentally (not that luckily I have problems in that area) and sorts out any problems which may be brewing. Also keeping moving is of great assistance with ET I think.
Keep alert and stay safe everyone, there will be a day when we are all free again.
Hi Jean, , I'm reasonably good Thank You, , my Graft Versus Host Disease remains active but not overly troublesome so still on a small dose of immuno-suppressant. My eyes are the main issue being severely dry so I experience a high level of discomfort and have more drops and gels than you can shake a stick at. And some mobility limitations.
Apart from that I'm a happy bunny but like many finding this shutting myself away quite hard as after a lengthy recuperation I was getting my life back on track over the past year, getting out more on my good days etc and now the rug has been pulled from under me and it's ground to a halt. All for my own good I know.
As you say let's hope we will see an end in sight , however I fear the way it's going it will be a number of months before life gets back to a new normal.
I think a healthy dose of scepticism is called for at the moment. I'm tending to believe what my eyes, ears and independent research tells me rather than whatever message the government pedals. I think it's time to be cautious rather than brave
Although, I haven’t shielded, just been extremely sensible, I have no intention of ‘easing’ these measures.
I’m saddened by the scenes on the UK beaches and at the parks. Likewise, the proximity of the people protesting in Trafalgar Square today.... I fear the sacrifices of the past ten weeks will be all in vain.
I also haven't adopted the "full Monty" shielding, but i am being extremely careful and intend to continue doing so until I am confident that it is safe.
Hi John, know how you feel, what with today’s demonstration in London against the Americans, who killed a coloured man, very sad but what are these people playing at, and in this country as well, do they think that just because they are outside they are free from getting Covid 19 and are entitled to demonstrate I don’t think so, not in lockdown, the poor police could not attempt to go near them, the demonstrators seemed to have the upper hand, mindless idiots. I for one am doing another month as much as I miss my daughter and her family and she has had a few health problems this last week and needs her mum I am not going to take the risk and she knows that.
Have seen pictures of beaches around Kent these last few days absolutely packed and no social distancing and where I live we are having lots of street parties which is bringing neighbours together which is lovely, but they are also not doing social distancing which is sad
How can you confront them, they just seem to think it won’t happen to them..
Rant over
I am staying safe, go into my garden, for lots of fresh air, send out the old man to shop, make him take his cloths off once home to get washed and he has a shower, bless him he is a real diamond geezer. 🤪
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson, you will get to see and hold him one day soon I am sure.
Agreed Jean, I too rant about the madness of the weekend....crazy stuff going on. I live in Devon and the police had to deal with lots of things that shouldn’t be happening, as did the other emergency services. Those people that we have all been clapping for.....!! Really makes you wonder....That’s my rant on this subject too.Diamond Geezers are virtually impossible to find...well done you and him of course...
Totally agree with you. I think the same way as you. I can see lots of people relax too much and even think no more virus anymore, I think that's where the second wave will come in.
Way too early for all of us, shielding, susceptible or not. England is currently top of the unenviable deaths list and our government have always followed the herd immunity plan which has put us there.
The R level will spike again in a couple of weeks and we'll be back in lock down.
I'm meeting with my daughter and youngest granddaughter for a nice quiet socially distant walk this week and I can't wait! (my granddaughter is in a buggy still) so we can all stay safe. I definitely won't be heading for anywhere crowded.
I haven't been strictly shielding but going out for a daily walk and nothing else. I would love to go to the beach (5 mins drive) but I live in a tourist area so everywhere is packed. I will not be changing anything and I'm not convinced that the decision us based on the best science.
Like you I am very sceptical about going out. One minute the government are saying we may have to remain shielded until the end of the year, then out of the blue we can go out from today!!! I am going to be very careful and stay home as I think there will be a sharp rise in cases. The beaches here in the south have been packed with people ignoring the 2m apart ruling. Have MPN voice issued any advice? Take care everyone.
I agree entirely with everyone and will be staying in isolation for many weeks to come. The madness around this weekend is so hard to believe. I live on the NE coast and the beaches are being invaded here, not that I have been out to see personally. My garden will suffice for a lot longer yet. Fortunately my husband has been doing a once a week shop early morning when quiet and he too strips and has a shower immediately on return , wears gloves and a mask. We too had a birth at the beginning of lockdown of a lovely great granddaughter who will soon be 3 months old and were longing to see and hold her, but will have to be patient.Keep safe, Fran
Completely agree....the madness over the weekend with packed beaches etc. Just says to me that some people think “,ok that’s it ,all gone”
I’m staying put till some time passes and we see if this awful virus, rears it’s ugly head again......
I don't want to appear paranoid, as I’m sure some of my healthy friends maybe think I am...but my health, my life , my choice.
So just do what you feel is right for you.
You will see your new soon. When you feel it’s safe to do so, congratulations
Wonderful things Grandchildren...💕
All the best Sandy..
I'm in Scotland so we are still shielding indefinitely. Health minister said yesterday it would revisited over the next few weeks. However I saw someone from one of the blood charities on main 10 oclock news last night and if I understood her correctly she indicated people shielding should speak to their medical teams about whether to stop, though judging from these posts everyone is using their common sense. My impression was she unamused by new advice - did anyone else see it? Can't imagine doctors would be pleased with all the extra calls as result of this strange U turn on shielding dates in England.
Yes I saw it too. It was the Blood Cancer Charity (previously Bloodwise) and she was definitely not impressed. There seems to be a lot of 'knee-jerk' policy decisions being made with little thought as to how they will be implemented or the impact it will have on those involved.
I haven't been asked to shield but have only been taking the dog for a walk and very rarely see anyone and when I do kept at least 2m away, usually more. Go shopping once a week. I will continue with this for some time as I believe the number of restrictions that have been lifted in England are far too many and too soon. I pray we don't get a second spike as I'm not sure how much more our frontline workers can take. The government seems to have gone against it's own tests for lifting restrictions. I don't want to be political but the cynic in me thinks it has been done to make people feel good and we'll all forget about the Dominic Cummings saga - appears to have worked. Take care all.
I know its a difficult job but I think the government has failed at every step and has lost my confidence and many others. People are not listening anymore and are just doing what they want and I don’t think the Dominic Cummings thing has helped. I am looking to Scotland and Wales as their leaders seem to be doing a much better job of it. I would love to see my nieces (I don’t have kids or grandkids) and my mum but I dont want to jeopardise my or their health at such a delicate time. I have also been working from home as I have a two hour commute each way into Canary Wharf but I have told my manager I cant see myself travelling in this year. Having a shielding letter extended would surely help my case for this.
For the first time I'm glad we have a devolved government in Wales. I believe the Welsh Government are doing it right. Applying basic scientific and mathematical principles, change one variable at a time and see what happens. If it works change another one.
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