Second lockdown

I feel this is now a way of life. I am lucky that I live in a village and can walk my dog several times a day and very rarely bump into anyone.

Yes lockdown going into winter is a lousy thought, we're all fed up with it now. But we do have to do as we're asked, be responsible and try to stem the virus, it's up to everyone to make that effort, unfortunately many aren't doing this and so it goes on!
As for Boris he really needs to be clear and concise with the information he's giving instead not fumbling and bumbling his way through his speeches, he gazed around for someone to help him out. No wonder he's being ignored!!
Too many people in the government & media not wearing a mask, they need to be setting an example!!

Motherduck I am so sorry that you are facing all of that.

I would be happier if the PM made definite laws that made it clear who should shield, who should go to work, who should go out socialising (no-one) and where people could travel to (not out of their immediate area). Maybe then we could get on top of this thing and live long enough for the vaccine to arrive. I'm lucky to live in a low risk area but numbers are going up and we are uncertain how safe we are going out and about - so we don't unless we have no choice. Shopping is getting difficult as slots are rare already and going to the Doctors is way down there with hairdressers, dentists and eating out. Am I being over cautious?

I am finding the present doom laden reports and local, potential local and potential full lockdown thoroughly depressing. My normal optimism has decided to hibernate along with the hedgehogs I think!! A second full lockdown would be hard and harder than last time .. I didnt like Zoom chats much, still dont! Missed adult kids, grandchildren and friends plus various commitments. And no real sense of what will happen in gge future! I keep thinking that if it is a hard prospect for me, who is relatively comfortable, relatively healthy, retired so not worred about a job ...I can't imagine how awful it must be for others, worried for jobs, incomes, health etc.

Sparklefizz -Yes, me too. I've adapted and now it seems stranger to go out than to stay in.

Went into lock-down end of February due to health issues. Must admit it has not been difficult since I enjoy my own company and have intense interest in absorbing hobbies. Received copies of ancient family letters from County Archives so indulging my history passion. It gets me up in the morning and puts me to bed at night - love it all.

Speak to my daughter and gs' on phone almost every day. All well thank goodness and not overly troubled by lock-down. Fortunate to live in a very beautiful county and have an engaging garden. Harvested my first apple harvest this morning and very pleased with the result. Dorset Apple Cake on the agenda!

Feel very sorry indeed for those less fortunate and struggling financially.

We are all suffering to a degree but to be rebellious and put ourselves first will inevitably affect others like Motherduck’s daughter. Next time you think ‘if I get it I get it’ or ‘no-one can tell me what to do’, think about what Motherduck is going through because of people like you.

We went for a local walk the other day We live in SW Wales. We were stopped by a family asking directions. I asked where they came from. The father said” Greater Manchester.” His wife laughed. “ It’s worse than that” , she said, It’s Bolton”. We walked away quickly . What were they thinking off. Just themselves

Regardless of anyone's political bias, I doubt any of our current politicians would have done a better job in the circumstances! The situation is not an easy one - we can all be perfect Olympians from the side lines! All the while a large percentage of people still think the safety measures don't apply to them, the harder it will be to contain and control the virus.
I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of any Countries' politicians at this time.

Motherduck My heart too goes out to you.

It is circumstances like yours that strengthen ones resolve and accept that being on another lockdown is a minor inconvenience.

I never expected this to last less than a year. My sister and I cancelled our Christmas holiday away months ago.

I just wish the conspiracy theorists, those who think they know better, or cannot be bothered to do as asked, would get their acts together, put up with a little bit of aggravation and get on with helping us all to get out of this.

Harmonypuss You say So as I said, I'm deciding for myself and if I get this virus then on my own head be it

How selfish is that? What about people you may infect or those who will have to look after you?

Like Blue Sky and others, my thoughts are with Motherduck, Peace67 and all those who are going through particularly hard times at the moment.

It's pretty much all been said.
Lockdown two would be less traumatic. I never stopped being careful since March. No public transport or supermarkets. Couple of local shops mostly masked up. Met my walking friends outdoors.
Cancelled all hols except for a recent walking club break to Oban which was booked a year ago.
Now for a big shout out to the Scots where we were - mostly based in Oban visiting the islands of Lismore, Mull and Kerrara and one day in Ft William. Restaurants and ferries staff - everyone we saw around.
Our hotel used strict rules, sanitizer around reception, ine way systems.
In restaurants and ferries all masked up unless sitting at the table - in pairs for us. Staff all masked up. One employee on entry, making sure everyone sanitized their hands, personal data taken, codes on tables for nhs app.
Social distancing applied so well on ferries. Sanitizer outside them for arrivals List goes on.
No fuss, no moans, just carrying on as we should all do - taking responsibility. Never mind confusion in rules. Many look silly as Govt.trying to keep economy going too but we all know what we 'should' do (or shouldn't as case may be.

Anyway, well done all in Oban and around there.
No more trips for me for a while

I’ve always had ‘selfish’ Christmas’s, just hubby and kids, not much fuss, but nice. Boxing Day other relatives and New Year to in laws in the South with presents.
There is too much fuss around this celebration and if I can have my two children with me, a small tree and a turkey, that will be heavenly.

Motherduck I'm so sorry for what you and your family are going through. It does put things into perspective. Hoping you find peace and comfort.

Motherduck Peace and many many others who have to endure such tragic happenings, my heart goes out to you. Never mind the rest of us who can’t get together with friends and family!

Motherduck no words and we shouldn’t complain if we have lesser worries.
I’m trying to stay positive, the Spanish flu epidemic came and went, that has no impact on us now, same with other epidemics.
Is it just me, or is feeling unusually tired, lazy and unmotivated part of the deal?

Hi Karyn
I agree it does feel worse it’s not negativity it’s worry and concern for the future. I felt so sad last week and cried so much I can’t tell you. I have decided to try to get back into the mindset I was in pre Covid 19 whilst adhering to the hands face space advice.
Just as a footnote I would like to add that I don’t believe local lockdowns can work I fully understand why these are being attempted (the economy) I believe it has to be an all or nothing approach.

Motherduck You truly have something to be upset about. I'm so sorry for your situation ♥️

kwest good for you. As you say it's your choice.
I downloaded the NHS track n trace, not specifically because I was asked but because I 'should'.
We are dependent on each other to some degree and I'm ok with that

Our resolve is certainly being tested but we human beings survive because we can adapt to a new way of doing things.
However, it won’t work if we ignore or accept the behaviour of people in the public eye who flout the rules.
Gilmul makes a good point about the reliability of testing. I hope that the scientists are looking into that.

Personally I'm sick of the whole thing. I'm only 52 but am immunosuppressed. My mobility isn't great, so even in 'normal times I'm home at least 80% of my life but to have had that small percentage of life snatched away is depressing.
I've also not seen my partner since last year because he works 200 miles away from home, was a 'key worker'and works 14 hours a day, 13 days a fortnight and sleeps on his one day off.
I've seen my son twice this year for 10-15 minutes each time and my best friend once.
I've been studying for a couple of years and obviously college was closed in March but I'm so glad that we went back a fortnight ago. College is a bit lax on mask enforcement in communal areas and we sit less than 2ft apart in class for 7hrs with only 2x15min breaks and 30mins for lunch but at least I get to see these people.
I've come to the conclusion that if I want to go out to the shops every day I will. I'm deciding the amount of 'risk' that I'm prepared to accept. Other countries with far lower covid deaths told their citizens about the virus and said to decide for themselves what to do as regards the risk they are prepared to accept. Why oh why could Bobo not have done the same here? I believe he's just a control freak!
So as I said, I'm deciding for myself and if I get this virus then on my own head be it, I'm an adult not a 5yr old that needs to be told to comb my hair, put my shoes on, put my hands in front of my mouth when I cough etc, we all need to just grow up and take responsibility for ourselves!

Last time the “all in this together “ mentality prevailed . This time it seems that with areas singled out one by one ( we are in NE) there is a sense of failure. My daughters friends boyfriend has tested positive for five weeks ! He’s a professional sportsman so wasn’t allowed back to “work “ until a negative test. Even though his viral load was gone he was still testing positive. Many people who have had it are having tests more than once also and still coming up positive after two weeks . Makes me wonder if this is contributing to the higher numbers also ? BTW the guy above passed it onto no one , not even his girlfriend who was in v v close contact with him the first few days. It’s all so confusing and unknown

i sort of feel that the virus will never go away completely, best thing is a vaccine as soon as possible, there is so much negativity and boris bashing, seems he cant do right for doing wrong, i certainly would not like to be in charge at the moment

MrsRochester

Feeling positive here (or trying, anyway).

This isn’t it, for ever, as some PP feel. There will be a vaccine, enormous strides have already been made. Even if it doesn’t eradicate the disease, it will greatly lessen the severity. New treatments will continue to be developed.
This time next year, this will all be an unpleasant memory.

I fear this gloom and doom is contributing to people breaking the necessary restrictions, when they feel there will be no end to this.

There will, if we’re all sensible and can be patient for just a few months more.

Well said.