Recent changes on quarantine measures are a reminder that life is not normal and, hopefully, will impact on people’s behaviour in general, which admittedly is mixed. Our pausing of shielding measures will enable us to do things we feel safe and comfortable to do but it may not free us very much. It is for us to try and determine what risks we feel able to take as everybody has different experiences and assess risks differently. Also, depending where we live some areas may feel safer than others. My children report to me areas I might like to consider or definitely not go near depending on what they see happening when they are out and about. I am grateful to everyone enabling us to stay safe along this long and winding road.
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Large swathes of the midlands have had an increase in outbreaks of the virus.
Matt Hancock said this was because people were not social distancing.
Lockdown measures were eased far too quickly and government advice that social distancing could now be 1 metre plus and far larger groups could meet both inside and out.
It doesn’t take a scientific genius to see that contradictory government advice has lead to this surge.
We went into lockdown too late and we’re coming out of it too soon.
This present spell of hot weather is going to bring hoards to beaches all over the country and it won’t just be the midlands that will be affected.
How many more deaths have to occur before more draconian measures are introduced.
Vulnerable people on this forum are still at risk.
Pause shielding from 1/8 for us is dangerous advice.
My own GP told me to ignore it!!
Good luck and best wishes to all
Anthony
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After last nights sudden announcement to restrict activities in the north of England nothing is changing for me. I live next to the areas affected and have a son in one of the affected areas. A much needed meet up with him and his fiancée will once again be put on hold, engaged in February and not been able to congratulate in person!!! I was looking forward to a garden cuppa but that is now delayed for the foreseeable. The shielders really are the ones who have to stay alert!!!
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Yes, @Lababe, as you say us shielders have to stay alert, no matter what others appear to be doing.
It must be scary, confusing times for you where you live.
However it must be so hard not being able to congratulate your son and his fiancée. I bet they understand.
How are you coping otherwise?
Thank you Erica, I am mostly coping but today has thrown a spanner in the works. Maybe it’s safer not to think…plan, that way you can’t be disappointed. My family have been fantastic I supporting me and being my eyes and ears. They understand how difficult it has been and I feel will continue to be for some months to come. I do feel that my diagnosis and Covid on the back of it has put me into a group I didn’t see entering for some years to come. I am a capable, usually fit person and Covid has classed me as extremely vulnerable and this I find hard to come to terms with. But onwards and upwards and hope for an improvement in the near future and that gathering in a garden before autumn steps up.
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It sounds like you have an amazing family! I think some days it affects us more than others. I know I can be fine one minute and really upset the next. I hate being ‘vulnerable’ because like you, that’s not the normal me. I completely understand how the new measures must be so disappointing for you. It’s hard not to make plans though isn’t it because it’s really good to have something to look forward to. I‘m keeping everything crossed for you and hope that you manage to congratulate them is person very soon! X
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Being a Midlands resident, and having a SIL who gets the most up to date figures, a very small area of the Midlands is affected, and nowhere near as badly as the North, in fact my area has been almost negligible for quite some time. I sympathise with you @Lababe as my youngest son lives in Central Manchester, alone, and has not seen any of the family since Christmas. It is difficult feeling vulnerable, and not knowing how long thisngs are going to stay like this. Best wishes, and a few treats are in order, for everyone
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More inconsistent advice from the government yesterday about new lockdown delays…to prevent further infections which have increased.
I’m not at all worried about not going to bowling alleys, ice skating or casinos. I’m not too worried about having my eyelashes tinted either.
What about the high risk and vulnerable which the government have always said “must be protected”
Not applicable now it seems, from today we can all pause shielding go shopping etc.
This will apply to over 2 million of us, are we disposable now??
Anthony
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It’s very frustrating @Blackhat isn’t it! I had someone message me this morning congratulating me on being given my freedom back and asking what I was going to do today! Erm, I think I’ll still be being really careful thanks!
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Definitely being careful here too!!
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Me too, the virus will be with us for a long time.
All Boris can say “ it’ll be better by Christmas, he’s keeping his fingers crossed.
Government by optimism!!
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I fully understand everyone’s confusion. Even more confusing when you see that some of the northern areas are told to carry on shielding whilst others in areas where lockdown measures have been reintroduced have been told that their shielding is paused. I have my next 3 month review on Wednesday and I still don’t know if I’m supposed to attend in person! I’ve noticed when I’ve been going out that a significant number of people are not wearing masks and a large number of these are young people. I’m going to continue following my own path and being cautious whilst getting out.
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I hope you have some communication soon about your check up @Franko. Over the past month my husband has had a mixture of phone consultations with GP, consultants and visits to hospital for x-ray and scans. Our visit to hospital was eerie (so quiet) but very safe. Let us know how you get on
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I hope you hear soon too. I was told well I’m advance that my appointment would be a video call so was prepared. Is it worth calling to ask?
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I had to phone them as I didn’t have any communication about the appointment at all. The appointment line said that it was booked in for a telephone only consultation and I shouldn’t attend in person even for a blood test. Which is the second time this has happened and is completely pointless from my perspective. The whole point of the appointments is to keep an eye on my bloods and if no one does this then the Myeloma could come back unseen and cause more fractures. I quite confused. we’re told it’s safe to attend hospital and we should do this but at the same time it doesn’t look like anyone is the least bit bothered what happens to patients who are not Covid positive.
My couple of days at the coast was lovely. Seaford was absolutely deserted and has long stretches of coastline. I’m guessing my the large amount of signs directing people to the nearest defibrilator that the populace isn’t generally young 
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Morning @Franko. That’s really poor communication isn’t it! I’ve been lucky With my hospital. However, I know not all hospitals are the same. I do wish some hospitals we’re more aware of how their lack of communication regarding appointments and cancelling of blood tests etc can cause huge anxiety. I’m sure you’ll have lots to ask and query at your appointment tomorrow and I hope you get some answers so that next time is better. Please let us know how you get on tomorrow.
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Goodness me, that is not good. I rang my GP practice yesterday for repeat prescription, mentioned I was due a medication review, and usually needed a blood test beforehand. Med reviews are restarting next month, and blood test booked for next week!
Seaford is a lovely place. My brother’s in-laws lived in a bungalow there, and over 30years ago they let my family have it for a week while they were on holiday. It is a bit off the beaten track, so lots of peace and quiet, and you are right, most residents are retired
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That’s really good news @Pisces56!
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