Getting out after shielding - Positive Wellbein...

Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation

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Getting out after shielding

buzzards profile image
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Morning everyone. Like may of us shielding these past few months, I became anxious at the thought of going out again. I was lucky that I've been able to get grocery deliveries from Asda and Sainsbury's and my brother picks up my prescriptions. I think we are leaving lockdown too early based on what the scientists seem to be saying, but I understand that the economy needs to get going again. Well this week for the first time I went out for a walk in the morning at 7.00 am. The weather was beautiful if a little sticky but there were lots and lots of people about even at that time. I was apprehensive about maintaining the 2 metres distance. There were runners, walkers, cyclists and commuters but people avoided getting close to each other. Before the pandemic I had just completed week 5 of Couch 25K which stopped once I was told I had to shield so I've had no real exercise.

Yesterday I had to attend Guy's Hospital for a blood test appointment and was the second time I've left the house to go anywhere. It was much better than I expected. My brother gave me a lift there. London Bridge was far less busier than normal, a bit weird really. Everything was well organised at the hospital - hand sanitiser stations as you enter and exit and also on entering the clinics. I was told to bring my own face covering so I did wear one, but there were staff at the sanitiser stations with masks to hand out I believe. There were clear notices on the seating in the clinic waiting area indicating where you could sit and staff were on hand to guide you. Normally the Rheumatology Clinic is full of people so this made a nice change. I didn't have to wait around too long. After my blood test I got the bus home.

I am still wary about using public transport. I wore my mask as required to but I noticed that someone got on the bus a few stops later without a mask and the driver didn't say anything. There weren't many people on the bus and all the windows were open. I wouldn't want to travel on them if they were packed and I would prefer to avoid the tube altogether for the time being. I went for another walk this morning and it's another gorgeous day.

I plan to resume Couch 25K from the beginning of the programme but I will go at 6.00am which is the time I used to go prior to Covid-19. I'm hoping there will be fewer people around at that time. When I used to run at that time before, there was hardly anyone around. I'm glad I've got out of my flat and I will see how it goes. The virus is still out there so I won't be going to the shops but I would like to see my Mum at some point, although how will I know if I'm passing the virus on to her? It's all a mess. Without testing we don't know anything. I know that if I didn't have to do a blood test, I wouldn't have gone out at all and it would have got harder and harder for me to leave my flat at all. Keep safe everyone.

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buzzards
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Hi buzzards, I think you've got an admirable approach to cautiously starting life outside again. In an ideal world for safety, we'd probably all be indoors until at least the middle of next year and possibly longer. Covid19 is still out there to haunt us, and only its mutating into harmlessness, or a vaccine, will help us permanently. So you have to decide what's safe for you. I haven't been shielding, just in the generally vulnerable older-age group and I too wouldn't dream of travelling on public transport right now. Do what you feel OK doing and of course continue to follow all safety advice carefully. I feel that with your sensible approach, you are going to be fine! And good luck when the time comes to resume 'couch to 5k🙏

buzzards profile image
buzzards in reply to

Thanks, I think we all have to decide for ourselves what's best for each of us. I hope there's no second wave but I suppose we have to be prepared for the possibility of local outbreaks in the future. I'm looking forward to Couch 25K. I badly need the exercise.

bobbybobb profile image
bobbybobbAmbassador

You seem to have the right idea. Some people will be exempt from wearing mask's. This will always be a factor. I think a lot of people have found it difficult going out and it will be a case of building confidence and trust that the society we are mixing in, is a safe one. Moving with caution is the right idea. 👍🌞

buzzards profile image
buzzards in reply tobobbybobb

I agree, we can only control our own actions. I will avoid the shops as there will be too many people around. There will always be risks and I understand people and who want to shield for longer. I'm definitely taking it slowly.

panda60 profile image
panda60

Pleased to hear your blood test went well and reassuring for me as I have to go St George’s for blood tests on 1st and 15th July as trying new drug for arthritis. Hoping for shared care soon so can have them done at my own surgery. Hubby taking me.

buzzards profile image
buzzards

Good luck with your tests. I'm sure it will go well and you'll be in and out quite quickly. I was reassured by the fact that all the medical professionals werre wearing masks and visors etc., it felt very safe.

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