How are you finding socialising post-lockdown?

Cher_Alumni

Now that restrictions are being eased on the covid-19 lockdown, more opportunities have become available to get out and about, see friends and visit our favourite places.  

For some disabled people this has been a welcome relief, with the BBC website sharing stories about people with cancer dating over lockdown and the loneliness experienced by young carers.

However, for others the prospect of returning to a ‘new normal’ has brought with it feelings of fear and a reluctance go near busy spaces.  For instance, @SHannamSwain said on Twitter:

“I’ve been in a couple of shops and hated it. I’m not shielding as such but I’m certainly in no rush to go into shops for no major reason, or to see lots of people.”

This anxiety is shared by some who are choosing to remain shielded at home, still concerned about the virus and feeling let down by government support.  For a great article on this read Nikki Fox’s "Coronavirus: Why many are still shielding... With no end in sight"
 

This made us wonder, how is our community feeling?

What are your thoughts about socialising post-lockdown?  Have you been out or are you preferring to stay inside?  

Let us know in the comments.

Cher_Alumni

If you are considering going out but are feeling some nerves, Frances Ryan's article Chronic illness has made me a self isolation expert: here's how to ease yourself out of lockdown might help reassure you on what to expect 

leeCal

I used to go to meetings regularly once a week with perhaps up to thirty others but now there are only spaces for ten people and you must book ahead. So that’s no fun at all and the virus has made a big difference to me, like a gigantic spanner in the works.

Cher_Alumni

Ahh that's a real shame @leeCal

Are you still booking to go to the meeting where you can?  Yep, it's taking some adjusting to isn't it. 

janer1967

I am enjoying the easing of lockdown and being able to go out again, I have had a weekend away at a hotel, been out for meals and shopping and even safari park and the coast

I have noticed how quiet everywhere still is though, you go somewhere expecting it to be busy and it isnt

Cher_Alumni

That's good to hear @janer1967 Do you feel safe when you go out?  and how do you find wearing the face masks, if you wear one?

janer1967

@Cher_Scope yes I feel safe I never go anywhere on my own though due to my sight and mobility 

I do wear a mask i dont like it but understand the need for it 

WestHam06

Hi @Cher_Scope, 
                              Thank you for asking this question. I had to shield and only left my house once in four months to go to the hospital. I'm not used to this as I am very fortunate to be out and about usually. I have been to the pub and met up with friends in outside areas. I feel quite safe but I can appreciate how difficult it must be for people who are feeling anxious about go back out. I'm finding face masks a little difficult due to my speech and worrying that people may not be able to understand me. I am considering a face shield, however people who I have spoken to so far seem to be able to understand me. Thank you. 

Cher_Alumni

@janer1967 I'm glad you are accompanied to keep you safe.  

@WestHam06 It sounds like face masks are working well but the face visors (or shields) are a good alternative if you start having difficulties being understood.  Are you meeting up with your friends soon again?

leeCal

No @Cher_Scope I haven’t been for a while now. It was easy because it was a habit but when the habit was broken it was a different feeling. It now seems such an effort but I will take it up again at some point I’m sure.

Jaanu38

I used to enjoy going out but I'm still really nervous about it even now. I have a social distancing lanyard but people still don't keep a safe distance or wear masks. It's terrifying to think you can still pick up the virus even though locally the levels seem to be reducing. 

chiarieds

On Monday my best friend told me his younger sister had been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. She tested negative for Covid-19, but her Drs said she had likely had it 3 weeks previously, like others they're finding that  later get pneumonia.

On Tuesday I needed to take my cat to the vets for her booster vaccination. It was good to see her vet back at work, as she'd lost her husband to Covid-19 a few months back. He had previously been fit & healthy, & was just in his 40s.

The next day my son was taking his wife to her Uncle's funeral. He had died from Covid-19.

This all colours my judgement about going out unless it's absolutely necessary.

Cher_Alumni

@leeCal Yep, make sure to meet up with them when it feels right for you to do it.  

@Jaanu38 It can feel really scary, especially when others don't seem to be taking precautions.  Are you managing to get out much?

@chiarieds I can entirely understand those circumstances making you apprehensive about going out.  Although it seems to be quietening down generally, the reality of people's loss is overwhelming  are you getting your shopping okay?  

Jaanu38

Hi everyone
Thanks for your support. I am only going out for essential visits such as the dentist. We are having supermarket shopping delivered and a kind neighbour helps out with getting us fresh deliveries. I hope my confidence will increase as local lockdown restrictions ease. xx

chiarieds

Hi @Cher_Scope - Thank you, I'm able to get online shopping fairly easily now, & my son gets anything I have difficulty with. I've also got a garden full of veg which helps.

Cher_Alumni

@Jaanu38
That's great.  If you are ever bored and fancy a natter, feel free to have a nosey around our Coffee Lounge where we talk about anything and everything and play games.  

Jaanu38

Thank you so much xxx

OverlyAnxious

I'm finding it really difficult to get out and about now.  Can't blame it all on Covid19 as I wasn't able to do indoor places like restaurants, pubs, cinema, etc before lockdown, but I was able to get out to local parks and outdoor attractions. 

I'm now trying to go back to 'open' places before the weather becomes too inclement, but wherever I go I seem to eventually end up at a pinch point where there always seems to be another person, even if I haven't seen anyone else for the entire walk up to that point.   People in general don't seem bothered by the guidelines either, I don't expect people to be wearing haz-mat suits and carrying a 2 metre ruler outside but at least keep to the other side of the path and don't cough at other people!  Maybe it is a minority, but as I'm only going out once a week and it happens every time, it's certainly not just an exception.

There are a couple of outdoor events coming up near me very soon, in previous years it's the sort of thing I'd have attempted, but I just don't feel I can trust people to keep their distance even outside. 

Cher_Alumni

@OverlyAnxious
You aren't alone in feeling this way.  There are such varying perceptions of social distancing about that it's very hit and miss going places.  I'm sorry you feel unable to go to the outdoor events but I understand.  It's important you feel comfortable and are able to enjoy them.

66Mustang

@OverlyAnxious I don’t think it’s an exception, I walk the dog most days with a family member and every day we also notice many people who don’t care to keep their distance on footpaths. Not just young people who will be OK if they catch coronavirus but older people as well which is strange!

WestHam06

Hi @Cher_Scope, 
                             I haven't been able to meet up with friends as I am having an operation next week so I have had to self isolate for two weeks. I look forward to meeting up with them again soon Thank you. 
I am in total agreement with what people say about people not following the guidelines, I think people think that it is all over now, that said I think, like with most things, its a minority. I know that during lockdown I saw many people not following the rules and as I said I didn't leave the house for 4 months. It comes down to thinking of others and everyone doing their bit and unfortunately some people struggle with this. I know they are saying that young people are driving the increase in cases and although I think they do this because they think they will be ok, I find it difficult as I am a young person but I understand that we all must do our bit and I think even if I weren't in the vulnerable group, I would still follow the guidelines. We must all accept though that we are all different.   @chiarieds my condolences for the loses you speak of Thank you.