Morning everyone.
I cannot find any information as to why those of us high risk people are not allowed to go for a walk during our current 12 week lock in.
I do no have a garden but was advised that I could sit outside my door....
Coronavirus question: Morning everyone. I cannot... - PMRGCAuk
Coronavirus question
Written by
Jax1962
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56 Replies
•
If you are shielded, which is not just high risk in terms of Rheumatological condition or treatment, but includes a range of co-morbidities, you are at risk of severe version of the illness that may mean you require intensive treatment. I.e. ventilator.
If you are high risk then the recommendation is you isolate so that you lessen the risk of getting the virus. You may (italics) not get a severe version, but if over 70 then the risks rise for ever 5 years over that age.
I am shielded due to dmard, pred, diabetes and high BP. I do have. Garden but have had 2 days in the garden when kids weren't in the shared areas.
At the end of the day it's always your decision. If you are prepared to take the risk then at least mask and glove up and then change and wash all you clothes.
For me..Even if no one seems to be around you don't know if asymptomatic people or those with symptoms have been in that space without masks. Their breath might have left aerosol in the air and in a fairly enclosed street (mind has a sink hole effect in cold weather) the load of the cvirus may be a bit high. But I am cautious and despite knowing I am desperate for a walk, with my poor dog, it's not a risk I am prepared to take....as yet. I definitely couldn't sit outside my front door which is less than 2m from paths on 2 sides.
I do have to say - I don't see the point of gloves to go for a walk. Far better to choose a face covering that dissuades you from touching your face (really does work by the way) and carry plenty of hand gel and use that any time you worry you may have touched something. The virus gets on the outside of the gloves - absolutely no point unless you remove them properly and santise your hands immediately. In fact - the elves from safety have now come out to say just that.
• in reply toPMRpro
If I walked in my usual places I have to touch things to pull me up and over and if the dog is out, which would be heinous if she wasn't 🤣🤣🤣, I have to pick balls up...I drop my thrower and crutch lots....I am a clumsy oaf. Then back to the car. I can dump the coat and gloves in a plastic bag. I usually use hand gel but started carrying a bottle of soapy water and a micro towel and Dettol wipes in early feb. I clean handles, crutch and handle and steering wheel etc. As I say I am cautious and did much of this pre covid. Gloves give me a double reminder not to touch. It's exhausting. 🤢
maria40• in reply to
I am really careful to obey the rules, like you I haven't been often to my garden as it is accessed by a shared driveway and children play there.
I have been so careful and was horrified to see from my window yesterday the temporary postman carrying letters and packages in both hands (ungloved), cough with his mouth uncovered. I always spray and keep things in quarantine for a day or two , think I'll multiply that by two after seeing this. Our regular postman had been wearing gloves but he has been told to shield - after cancer treatment last year- and this young man is a temporary replacement.
• in reply tomaria40
Oh dear. It's a nightmare when you see that. Letters are always quarantined after a liberal dosing of soapy water. Then the letters are opened and if rubbish, thrown in the burning bin. Ally postie's have been wearing gloves and masks.
The gloves are really a minor point, they get just as contaminated as hands and need to be taken off properly whereas you just need to wash/sanitise hands often. But I would expect someone with a cough might NOT be working going to people's doors - since they are likely to be "vulnerable" - and that all of them would wear a mask.
Fortunately, I downloaded the poster from the Vasculitis UK and don't answer my front door. Anything which won't fit through the letter box gets left on the doorstep. I only leave the front door open for home deliveries which are brought up to the first floor landing with my flat door closed. Even so,I decontaminate the letter box and banisters regularly.
PMRproAmbassador
There is no official information as to WHY - you would have to ask the gubmint why they chose to make that recommendation I'm afraid. I can't see the logic either - if you go out and don't meet anyone you do have to ask what the problem is.
However, it was suggested here early in the Covid-19 epidemic that it is for the benefit of people who live in crowded places, in a block of flats without direct access to a private external space of their own for example. The lift may be contaminated because someone in it just before you coughed and sneezed all the way down, or into their hands and then touched the buttons and the door handles you must use to leave or enter the building. The same applies to the hand rail if you walk down holding it. You could meet them in either place. It is known the virus lives on hard surfaces for some hours even if it has fallen to the ground. There has been no requirement in the UK for face coverings - whatever you think about their use, they are the same as having a handkerchief over your face at all times in public and if everyone must wear them it does help reduce the risk of the unidentified carriers or the people denying that cough could be Covid-19 passing it on.
The bottom line has to be that you have to assume everyone else has it and avoid contact with them as much as is humanly possible. And some people need to be told ...
• in reply toPMRpro
Like these who claim to be in family groups but a neighbour says different. 😉
standard.co.uk/news/uk/cosh...
GOOD_GRIEF• in reply to
Just avoid them. You don't have to be anywhere near them, whether they are sharing a household or not really doesn't matter to you.
As a New Yorker, I know that part of the art of going for a walk is choosing a time when you can be almost alone...just enough people around to respond to your shouting if you need help, but not enough to be jostling you. Early mornings and dinner time (for other people) work well here.
Carrying a cane or a crutch works well as a signal that you are a slow mover, and people tend to give you a wider berth. Walk on the side of the street that is the opposite of the traffic flow so you can step into the roadside if necessary, and you can see the oncoming traffic.
And, of course, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or a scarf.
If you have no access to the outdoors except through shared hallways, elevators and stairs, then open a few windows and march in place at home.
• in reply toGOOD_GRIEF
Thanks, there's a trough in the floor in the house from walking or marching or doing my "dancing"!
It just seems after @8 to9weeks proper isolation, that I really don't want to risk it now. I understand the need to and am fed up of being inside, but to keep "safe" for 2 months, then get the virus now by being impatient 😱 The only person I can rely on to keep me safe is me. I will follow the forecast and if I go will go during a very rainy day. That keeps others indoors!
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer
This is work out if you are in shielded category
Thank you all....I would probably worry myself silly having risked taking a walk in this gorgeous weather... better safe than sorry. We have done nearly 2 months without it so I just need to keep going. Stay safe xx
• in reply toJax1962
I do get where you are coming from and as each day passes my resolve does weaken. Especially with people saying to me risk it...like the Dr for example.
I may choose a day when it's absolutely throwing it down, so fewer people out and go to a spot that is wide open and even normally on a summer's day I see 10 people. But for now it's staying home that keeps me safer than anything.
Hi
I have been going out for a walk each day as found I was too stiff not walking .I have a route that is not used by many and have nothing that I need to touch on the way.
If I see anyone I cross the road or stay as far away as I can from them walking past quickly.
I tend to go early morning or early evening as not so many people around
I have never seen so many people of an older age walking in my street alone as there are now, usually very early with no-one else around, and walking purposefully if you know what I mean......
All my elderly neighbours in their 70s and 80s around me are popping out to the shops nearly every day. When I see them (I'm standing 2m at least apart) I tell them they really shouldn't and there is no need to go shopping every day, at least get enough for a few days and cut down the risk, and ideally stay in and use the volunteers the Council sent us all a letter about. They just tell me 'I'm allowed to go out for food' and come back with one bun or 'a nice pork chop' for their tea! The message just hasn't got through to many people.
Exactly.....there is a certain element of people the message will never get through to, and not just the young. Last night saw a programme in the USA, the man said no American will be ever told what to do.....oh dear....
Except Nicola Sturgeon just made it really clear that if you are vulnerable you stay at home - and if you are over 70, you are classed as vulnerable. They simply said here to stay home if over 65, only go shopping, But everyone is actually supposed to do much the same, and the police checked.
Depends how far you are from anyone passing at close range I suppose.
I'm also shielded and took the decision early on to carry on with my exercise in order to protect my bones and keep moving which helps the symptoms anyway
I generally go out for my morning run/walk at around 6am. For around an hour. I might see two/three other people generally walking dogs and from a distance. I do live in a suburban village with lots of countryside so its easy to get out of the way, having said that I tend to feel more confident on the roads becuase they are wider than a path for crossing over.
Only been out in the day around 6 times in 8 weeks though...
It’s up to the individual person to keep, or break any of the ‘rules’ set for us all. We have been inside our front gate from 1 Feb to 23 Feb, then 24 Feb until today. Along our road there are many cyclists...an article showed how their breath is ‘pumped out’ due to exertion & the virus can easily land on you on the pavement. Yet to see a cyclist in a face mask here! The place we could be safe is our local forest, but it’s shut, car parks were closed, they asked people to stay away. To begin with it worked. But this weekend people have streamed up there & are illegally feeding the ponies, petting the foals etc (lots of photos on Facebook last night) & having picnics. These visitors are not locals (we stay away from forest at bank holiday weekends) & they travel from Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, bringing virus with them from cities. Not enough police to police it. They reopened the car parks because people parked on the grass verges everywhere & ruined the grass which feeds all the animals. My resolve has been weakening as suffering more without walking & love to see the foals. But, as others say, having managed to do so long, we really don’t want to risk it now by going to a public place & catching it!! We mainly self isolate each winter but do hike 2-3 times a week, & rarely see more than 2 other people...but it only takes one person! One breath, touch one gate etc. I find gloves very useful & we have a routine...it allows you to use them on a walk to open gates, climb stiles etc but remove them back at car into a bag which is sealed & thrown at home. Then you can touch the keys, steering wheel etc. I tell you a long story so you can see how easy it is to turn a very safe, huge, wild wooded & plains area into a great gathering for the virus!! We are lucky, we have a large garden & woods on two sides, lots of wildlife & smashing neighbours. I believe there is a reason we are asked to live like this, & I’ve avidly read a load of info that confirms we should live like this! Must go get Wednesday’s shopping delivery out of quarantine now & bring it into the cottage. Good luck, all, S x
This may help erinbromage.com/post/the-ri...
What a superb, clear, logical article from someone who is in the field!!
Thanks yes that's one of the few articles going round that is evidence-based. Maybe that's why my elderly neighbours are all OK so far, they live on their own and only go out to the co-op or the park, all low-risk according to the article. The only person I know who has had CV-19 is one of my brothers, who ironically has been totally isolating but thinks his wife (who's never shown any symptoms), brought the virus home from her work on the police 999 call-centre!
I am so sorry to hear the news about your brother. What rotten luck! And another reminder of just how hard it is to contain this virus however much we all try. Hope he soon feels ok.
Thank you, yes he was fine after only about 5 days They did have the paramedics out on day 2 when he was struggling with breathing but his Sats were borderline OK and they advised he stay away from hospital on balance but call again if he got worse. The poor paramedics only had flimsy plastic aprons on and no masks he said.
Phew - this wretched virus is so random x
It is appalling - my daughter lost 2 paramedic colleagues last week to CV. We assume poor PPE. And Scarborough hospital had a load of nursing staff with CV, all from the "cold" side of the hospital. She is wracked with guilt - she is shielding and wants to be at work like her sister. But if she got it it is unlikely she'd get through it - renal problems probably the cause of hypertension and asthma. I feel dreadful about feeling relieved ...
• in reply totangocharlie
I ha r seen pictures in call centres....not exactly safe 2m wise.
Have you read the article? There is a specific section about call centres and infections. And restaurants.
• in reply toPMRpro
It's a wait until eyes settle reading.....pictures are easier. 🤣😂🤣
• in reply toPMRpro
And the chainsaw man is revving his chainsaws again. Hopefully the light rain may send him in.
Yes I have and it indicates what we suspected, that call centres are dangerous places to be. Of my sister in laws colleagues 2 out of 17 had the virus for sure, the others they don't know because there was no testing so they may have been silent carriers. Interesting going back to the article it says that the infection didn't spread in the building even though people were using lifts and must have been pressing buttons and sharing the lift.
• in reply totangocharlie
I will see if my eyes are up to it later. I feel terrible talking to the kids on the phones in call centres and always end with stay safe. Some workers will be totally forgotten.
tangocharlie• in reply to
Most of them are working at home now - I spoke to someone from my bank the other who was loving being able to wfh and not have to commute, said she would like to carry on doing so when all this is over. I suspect many companies will do that. Also I had to get an insurance quote a few weeks ago and could clearly hear kids playing noisily in the background while mummy was trying to work!
• in reply totangocharlie
That's great. Many people will trickle back I would think. But people who manage their own practices tend to be more productive and maybe companies are finding this out properly. When I worked from home I did work really hard.
tangocharlie• in reply to
Also the cost savings of the big companies not needing to rent and run big call-centres. A friend who does IT solutions at IBM says they have been inundated with work because whereas in the past big companies had maybe 10% of staff working from home, their future planning means they want all employees to be able to work from home. If I had money I'd buy IBM shares, and Halfords. This situation is good for some businesses!
• in reply totangocharlie
It will be all the commercial landlords that start to gripe. But working from home is good on so many levels for the employer/employee and not least the environment!
You must use the same insurance company as I do. It sounded like chaos in the background!
Ha ha, I can't remember which one it was now as I rang a few to get quotes
Yes, noticed that - just through the air circulation. Which doesn't augur well for planes does it?
The nurse daughter said to me early on that there were cases in the 111 call centre - and she felt working on a hot ward was no worse than being on the supposedly cold side and the PPE was better. And she said the other day that patients are lying - you can't be sure someone coming in doesn't have a cough/fever/the other common symptoms. They say they don't - so are sent cold-side.
My brother who is an engineer says planes will be OK because they have HEPA filters which will stop the virus circulating, unlike many AC units in buildings and restaurants
Circulating maybe - but the guy in the row behind you sneezes? That article wasn't comforting about a sneeze was it!!!!
• in reply toPMRpro
I can't understand the logic of that.....test if positive then symptoms may be admitted. I am started to hate people and I haven't been misanthropic before...well I have but it redoubled for some and stopped for others. You know what I mean. Some people have shown real bravery and civic sense. I can't nurse anyone etc so at least I can follow shielding and do my civic duty.
tangocharlie• in reply to
You're certainly 'doing your bit' helping us
That is so clear and helpful. Thank you.
There was a great line on Googlebox this week re the NHS contact tracing App that will need 50% of the population to use to be effective. '50%??? you can't even get 50% of the population to even vote let alone download a bloody App'
I was t old l could open a window 😱
Because as soon as you leave the house and go places others have been, you are at risk of getting Covid-19. The government doesn't care if everyone gets it, but it is suggested those at high risk don't get it as you will probably have a worse reaction and use up NHS resources. Not to mention possibly die. No matter what they say now, they still want herd immunity. This means they want everyone who can recover to get it so that the larger population gets immune. Immunity might not happen but that's want they want. Aerosols from peoples coughs, hard breathing, sneezing etc can stay in the air for some time and could be transfered to you. Also if you touch anything, you could transfer the virus to your mouth or eyes etc and catch it. Best just to stay at home, for everyone in my opinion.
• in reply toMEPOTS
Hi mepots, I wondered if you could fill in some profile details. Thanks. 🌻
I agree with you MEPOTS. Just look at the new government 'directives' yesterday....they are nothing but introducing herd immunity by the back door!
The pm did not call it such by name, but that is what it is: give people freedom to move and congregate, those more vulnerable will get it, hopefully die, eventually there will be some herd immunity of sorts.
It's utterly disgusting, but people don't actually see it for what it is.
Herd immunity is Nature's way of culling the vulnerable, thus protecting the population as a whole. It happens spontaneously in the wild, but to introduce it into human society on purpose, is beyond belief.
pigeon.
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