Is this the new normal?

This is indeed the new normal for many many months to come. We just have to grit our teeth and get on with it. We were due a pandemic - it is just unlucky for us to have been here to witness it.

At the moment most people I know don't want to go out anywhere or travel unless they have to and it's not surprising. It's been drummed into us and while we were (are) in lockdown and we have accepted it. So it's only natural but I'm sure we will slowly and cautiously go back to our previous activities.

I think we are in the process of adapting to the first wave of the aftermath- The second phase might feel like a slow flood, as we navigate the ongoing impact of the first wave and figure out how to brace for a second-

I’m living in hope that us wot are shielding will be advised that we can go out in the car to find somewhere remote to walk for a bit.

Me too. I am about to go for my daily exercise and whilst I have a variety of routes I am fed up with walking the streets.

It is the younger people who concern me; some will not have a job to go back to, many face reduced wages, and the benefits being paid out at present have to be paid for, as to extensions to loans and mortgages.
Missing a few exercise classes is not the end of the world as we know it; they will resume again. We have been protected.

'do' not 'to'

I am in no rush to go out and about with the virus. I am missing my family like most of us but will stay put to enable those who need to work to go back and get the economy going again.
We are in the worst recession ever recorded.

I think it's been drummed into us so successfully that it will feel like having a broken arm covered in plaster of Paris.
It used to be in place for about 6 weeks and when removed, felt 'odd' and looked thin and weak compared to the other arm.
I handed over the shopping, delivered today when the lady drew up in her car.
I carried out the bags with gloved hands and after stowing them, she asked if my phone was working. I said it was but it transpired I had put a 7 instead of 8 in part.
Whilst we spoke she stood by the boot until we realised we were next to each other and suddenly jumped back feeling really guilty.
I imagine that won't be the only time anyone anywhere does that after sanctions are lifted.

Sooo. Cabbie21 you're a street-walker...eh?
Interesting ???

A friend who is on the vulnerable list was saying she can't wait to "get out there" I said even when told we can I will be very reluctant. I have driven 10 mins down the road to pick up himself and the shopping each week apart from that I haven't been outside my garden as I can't walking far.

Life will not be the same as it was pre lockdown - maybe eventually it will be but not for a very long time. We have to realise that Covid is here to stay

We'll just have to go with the flow as they say!

I feel just the same. Trying to come to terms with it. I used to like mooching round charity shops sometimes and choosing my own fruit and veg in supermarkets . Hey ho ?

I have been fine up til now and actually enjoying being in lockdown, enjoying my hobbies and not feeling under pressure to drive over 100 miles just to babysit, knowing where my OH is and knowing he is not seeing his ladyfriend! But with VE day and seeing people partying without adhering to the rules made me so sad that I haven't seen my family for so long, and how much I miss them.

The virus well not disappear. We may develop this herd immunity that is constantly mentioned but that can be a long way off. Any vaccine may be like that for the flu - having to be guessed each year for what virus will be virulent each time. The ones who will be least likeky to return to normal will be those most at risk. The others will forget this has happened.

Reading cabbie21's post I'm wondering where you are living, I thought uk allowed people to drive for a walk as long as walk took longer than the drive? We are in vulnerable group and go walking each day but yesterday went into our local shop, scary after so long.

Feel we have to start looking after ourselves. DD has been walking over each day with our groceries (No chance of home delivery) she is so stressed with trying to home school whilst working full time I fear she us heading for a breakdown. Her boss is giving veiled threats which is so wrong, but it's happening and I'm sure she is not alone.

I think anyone who thinks we can go back to how it was before will be sorely disappointed. This virus isn't going anywhere and until a vaccine/medication is found we are going to have to get used to this. My understanding is even when Lockdown is eased, we will have to be prepared to Lockdown quickly if the infection rates begin to go up. We are in this for the long haul.

why do we strive for a "normal"? just wondering

well , I for one will stick to my online delivery.. not sure whenI will feel comfortable to go to church, and meetings, get to gethers... certainly some time before coffee and lunch out..

what I am wondering,, is what shall I do?

then "they" are going on about the lack of air pollution and saying everyone should walk or cycle... never thinking of those of us who can`t walk or cycle, or if can walk, only short distances... and not everyone has nearby shops,, let alone the independent shops,, those we , mostly, all, well some of us, crave for..

generalising is not a good way to conduct the new "normal"

interesting what we all think of what was normal, and what could be the new normal!

My sister and I were discussing this last night. She has had the courage to get in the car and so her shopping yesterday but did feel odd. I’m still working and desperate bro get back to normality as soon as I can. My sister has friends and do stuff regularly but even she has said it’ll take a long time to get back to normality.

It all depends on whether you trust the government's advice and the App devised by Dominic Cummings' mates. I think I will be self-isolating weeks after we are told we can go out.

We've been self-isolating for about 8 weeks and following all the rules to keep us safe. We miss our families very much but wouldn't dream of meeting them and risk theirs or our health. Now I've discovered that I'm looking forward to Sunday's announcement as though it's Christmas! I know it's not going to be a drastic change, I just hope it will have something there that will improve the lot of those of us that have been keeping in our homes for so long.

I feel for the mothers with children. My daughter has been working from home, homeschooling her 7 year old and cooking more meals than ever. Her husband has broken his thumb.
She is exhausted and talking seriously about changing her life and divorcing her husband.
It was a happy enough household before the pandemic

I have self isolated for 11 weeks, I will not be rushing out to do anything.
I am even having social distancing dreams, last night I dreamt a group of young men were crowded around DH and myself and I asked them to back off, one coughed in our faces. I woke up seething at the ignorance of people even though it wasn't real.