I hope you are right about group gatherings Adrian. Meanwhile, today’s post brings me a letter about taking part in the research study into Covid…
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Hi @Pisces56, I have just taken part in a research study this week. I was tested for Covid-19 and It had better come back negative as I haven’t left the flat since mid March !!
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I thought that as they probably need more people from a multi-racial background, I will do it, although the only other place I have been was hospital, in HDU, near coronavirus patients…and 3 wks of district nurses visiting and 2 paramedics 
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Hello Pisces56
You are so right to be angry at the awful scenes we have witnessed over the past week or so. Im right there with you on that.
It js absolutely clear that a certain section of the public have had enough of the shutdown and seem to think that they’re on a very long carefree summer holiday. As you say the selfishness and dreadful behaviour is shocking.
I fear there is a terrible reckoning to come in terms of a second spike but also huge job losses and hardship and misery for many people. The whole situation makes me very uneasy. I am not rushing back out anywhere anytime soon!
Do you think possibly there is some thought that a second spike now might “Save the NHS” in the winter?
Hoping for herd immunity still?
Sue
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Hi @Lockdownsue60, an interesting question and I think I have heard too many different ‘expert opinions’ of how long Covid-19 will be around for. Will there be a ‘new normal’ out there or will people want to go back to ‘normal’, as you say I think working practices will change. Who would have thought I would get onto Zoom, let alone have lots of meetings on it. Stay safe I say.
How are you feeling in isolation?
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It’s totally understandable people are feeling so disappointed with the way that many of the general public are behaving since lock-down has been lifted slightly more. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be.
Do remember that our support line is only a phone call or an email away if there is anything we can do to support any of you, now and going forwards.
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Once again we have had another ambiguous statement from Boris.
First it was “Save the NHS “
Then “Stay alert”
Now “Go out and enjoy yourself, but act responsibly”
Now the pubs are open and social distancing can be reduced to 1 metre as long as precautionary measures are taken, not quite sure how this can be achieved!!
Many pubs haven’t room to effectively keep customers apart, who will be checking that these measures are in place.
2 pictures on the internet news show hundreds of people in Soho drinking in the street close together.
Another shows people sitting 4 to a table in a crowded pub lounge also less than a metre apart.
I’ve now received a letter from the government saying high risk people shielding can stop from 1/8 and go shopping etc as long as they social distance 2 metres. Try doing that in a supermarket, impossible.
The government appears to have abandoned the population to their own fate and if you do catch the virus it’s your own fault because you didn’t act responsibly.
Many members of the public have demonstrated their total disregard of the lockdown in demonstrations in London and rushing to the beaches all along the south coast.
The figures issued do not reflect the rise in infections accurately as testing has not reached proper levels promised.
The chancellor has reneged on his promise to give extra funding to the NHS to deal with an expected new peak in infections and more deaths.
A shorter version of this rant could be——
We are being dropped in the S***
Anthony
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Hello Anthony. Regardless of whatever the Government comes up with, large groups of people have completely disregarded lockdown (protests, Street parties etc) and the police cannot do anything about it because it is not law, and they do not have the tools and numbers to deal with it. Young people think they are immune, and there are still those who say there is no such thing as Covid. The problems in Leicester are cultural and due to the sweat shops producing cheap clothing. These are problems to be tackled…
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Hi everyone, hope you are all doing okay?
We recognise with this weekend in particular, with many lockdown restrictions being lifted for the wider general public- this has understandably been a very concerning time for our forum members. Please do always remember, the forum is here to talk through anything on your mind.
@Pisces56 @Blackhat from your messages, we can hear how concerned you both are, but it’s so very encouraging you’re continuing to reach out on the forum:
Something we recognise as so very important is the wider general public doing their bit to keep those of you shielding as safe as possible, if you haven’t seen it already, here is a link to our video of our chief executive, Gemma, discussing this: https://twitter.com/bloodcancer_uk/status/1279115958829944833
Another thing to say, we’ve updated our ‘Coping with shielding’ page, so it now includes our tips and tools to support you all in coping with the emotional impact of shielding and adjust to changing government advice: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-yourself-staying-home-shielding/coping-shielding/ … please do feel free to have a look.
We’re always here for you all,
The Blood Cancer UK support line team
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Yes, @Blackhat, I do believe you are right.
How are you yourself doing?
Thanks Erica,
Had my 72monthly chemotherapy cycle last week so I’ve been more tired than usual.
I’m finding my situation rather hard to deal with at times, both mentally and physically as I’m sure many on the forum feel the same.
My very poor prognosis and the knowledge that my life expectancy is limited can be overwhelming sometimes and with the added threat of Covid-19 adds to my anxiety and constant stress.
Living alone, which never bothered me pre diagnosis can often make matters worse.
Pilgrims Hospice have been very supportive and have arranged for a social worker to phone me each week.
A lovely woman and a pleasure to talk to.
Not about cancer, but a wide range of subjects.
I was telling her about my dissipated teens and she laughed so much she had a coughing fit.
I’ve always been a bit of a comedian, that got me expelled from a very prestigious London Grammar School in 1959 as I was deemed to be a bad influence on my contemporaries.
I haven’t lost my sense of humour and do have a laugh with the chemotherapy clinic nurses, my eldest daughter shares the same sense of humour and is a real tonic when we speak.
Rather a long reply to your question how I am getting on:clown_face:
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Hi Anthony, my sense of humour has also got me into trouble upon occasions. Personally I think our isolation life at the moment, with the world out there appearing to be leading life without a care in the world, especially of Covid-19, does make me feel more isolated.
This isolation has been for a long while now and I am sort of fed up with it.
Am I the only one scared of getting the virus?
What is the likelihood of that?
I am fearful of the consequences of that.
Yes, I want to go out there and perhaps have a laugh with a stranger, an acquaintance or a friend.
That is why the forum is really helping me as I am finding I am not the only one having these thoughts.
I’m rambling.
Take care.
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Hi Anthony, just to let you know I left the flat for the first time today since mid March today. I wore a mask and socially distanced and everyone kept away, probably because I looked so scary in the mask. It was very green and leafy out there and the cars were fast and scary. It felt good to get some fresh air and walking. Take care.
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I read that this happiness podcast gives great insights on managing isolation and stress during the pandemic. It’s from the TED Talk site and I do love a good TED recommendation.
Thought I would share it for those who like to listen to a podcast. Might prove useful as I think many of us do feel isolated and want strategies to cope with it and that’s heightened with the distancing changes.
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