Excuses

The Prime Minister acknowledged quite early on in his press briefings how difficult lockdown would be and what a negative impact it might have on people's mental health. The rules seem perfectly clear to me and as this is going on for some time, I agree that being outdoors for a short time in a safe way is very important to ensure that as many people as possible comply with instructions. Only the most vulnerable need to self-isolate.

Walking a dog isn't an excuse to go out it's a necessity for anyone who doesn't have a garden and owns a dog.

Going out shopping isn't safe either but it's a good job that those of us who can do, or the online deliveries so badly needed for those who cannot go out would be even more stretched.

Focus should be on people abusing the rules currently in place - those in groups and people sunbathing, picnicking, playing ball games and just generally not keeping their distance.

We were told we could go out for exercise and that is what I intend to do until we are told otherwise.

It is not just in remote areas where you can keep your distance from people. It is perfectly possible to walk up a residential road and cross over if you see someone else coming.

I think it is especially important that people who live in flats - and many modern flats these days are very small - have the opportunity to walk, run or cycle in the open air - of course, taking care to observe all the rules.

If you go out and see one other person, that’s because hundreds of others are putting the time in, at home. Unlike you.

Nothing at all wrong with getting fresh air and a bit of exercise....in fact it’s important that we do.
Unless you think you have the virus and are self isolating then social distancing and staying at home more than usual, but taking walks with family that you live with is all fine and dandy.

One of our AC and family live near the beach, of course they are goimg there to exercise and let the GC and dogs let off steam whilst they can. Another AC and family live opposite a park which is now closed to all because of youngsters/teenagers congregating, try explaining that to a three year old that can see the park but not play in it!!

I have a feeling that before the Easter Break we shall be in total lockdown due to the thoughtless people who ignore/flout the current rules.

I went out this morning 6.15 a.m. for a fifty minute walk round our area. Saw one other person walking, I stepped into road and we spoke as we passed metres apart.

Nothing wrong with that, not breaking any rules.

This is ridiculous

My husband was in Tesco yesterday

Had to go because we were running out of essentials

He also bought some Easter Eggs for the grandchildren

Shocking behaviour to some I expect!

But Tesco was heaving. They had the 2 metre rule which some just couldn't stick to

Going to the shops, (essential) is far more 'unsafe' than a stroll with your dog. People pick up items then put them back etc etc

But we need to survive so not sure what those criticising expect

But dog walking, outside exercising MAY be legal but it isn't safe. Hence all the NHS workers asking you to stay in.

Not all NHS workers are saying this. I've got a couple of those in the family as well!

Many of us walk our dogs in remote areas. I seldom see a soul. Are you suggesting that's not 'safe'?

I ask again a walk through the village, with NO other people around, and not touching anything, are you saying that I shouldn't do that?

Thing is, if you're going out, you're not locked in, are you?

I appreciate that for shopping one person may need to go out.

But dog walking, outside exercising MAY be legal but it isn't safe. Hence all the NHS workers asking you to stay in.

As the rule is we are allowed out once a day for exercise, we continue to have an afternoon stroll. I shall be brassed off if they tighten the rules because of people not sticking to them.

Having said that , I don't have little children bouncing off the walls, neither do I live in a flat without a garden in a crowded city like London or Birmingham. Some people must be suffering badly being cooped up. Although I don't like it, I find it easier to do than if I was 16.

Let's hope it ends soon! A nice thought only, I am afraid.

notanan you misunderstand. 50 people at a barbecue is not a household

Not sure what people are taking about

We are 'allowed out' to exercise!

I think this glorious weather has a lot to do with it; if it was pouring with rain, grey and bitterly cold, then far fewer people would 'need' to go out, apart of course, for the dog walkers.
(I do know some people who do go out for a walk every single day)

Rose this isnt about people breaking the rules.

Its about people who are following them being villified.

Walking and cycling and dog walking and partying with your household and turning over your car engine: all allowed!

You prove my point admirably....

There seems to be a lot of "reasons" to break the rules or not follow the advice we have been given.

One person driving to a beauty spot to walk a dog, helping parents look after grandchildren, shopping daily ,going for a drive because of mental health or meeting relatives in a park seems fine to those doing it but what if everybody did it?

Nobody is special but there will always be the selfish and ignorant.

A doctor was on TV this morning encouraging us to take our daily exercise for the good of our physical and mental health. We went for a bike ride this morning. Didn't see a soul for most of it. Even when we did he was well over 10m away. Social distancing is not the same as total isolation.

Oh well, you can see why we’re not going to get on top of this.....

We were never going to get on top of it in a few short weeks anyway. And its not because 'er next door went for a walk...

Oh well, you can see why we’re not going to get on top of this.....

If the HMO at the end of my road wanna have a bbq to make the most of being stuck in close quarters of each other, crack on!

Are people cross referencing the census before judging whether households can have a garden party?

My DH passed a house yesterday whilst out with the dog, where a party and barbecue was taking place in the garden.

Loads of people all mingling happily together.

How on Earth do you control that on private property?

We are still allowed to exercise daily.

Outside.

You can even drive your car to reach a more secluded destination as long as the journey is approximately 5 minutes.

Not sure what this thread is about really.

Misinformation

Around here it’s perfectly possible, and always has been, to go for a walk without going anywhere near anyone else at all - and this is outer SW London.

Gagajo, if you choose to exercise indoors, fine. But please stop trying to tell those of us who are exercising perfectly safely in the fresh air, what to do.

TBH I’m beginning to think that you must have absorbed some totalitarian tendencies during your time in China .