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With the second wave very much here and the UK recording over 10,000 cases for the first time since the pandemic began (read more here) we all need to find new ways to keep ourselves safe.
The Rules are Clear as Mud — Right?
When the first lockdown began back in March, the rules were clear. Stay at home and protect the healthcare system. Now, as the second wave is here, the rules are trickier to navigate.
Every week there are changes to the rules, and at times I’m struggling to keep up with them. I’m sure I cannot be the only one getting confused with what we are allowed to do from one week to the next.
How are we supposed to navigate through the challenging months ahead when the rules keep constantly changing?
Take, for example, the return to the office. One moment people are being told to return to the office to save the high streets, the next moment the advice is to continue working from home to stop the spread. The message changed from a return to stay within a week. Surely, they must have known that the infections were on the rise and it would not be wise to return to the offices just yet?
The same kind of confusing messaging applies to the hospitality industry. In August, it was ‘Eat Out to Help Out’. Now pubs and restaurants are told to close at 10 pm. As if that will really curb the spread of the virus. I know the idea is to stop people from getting so drunk that they forget about social distancing. People will still get drunk if they really want to. They’ll just start drinking earlier or drink faster.
There is also a lot of difference between pubs and restaurants how well they comply with social distancing within their premises. Last Saturday, my partner and I tried to go for a drink in a favorite local but couldn’t because they were up to their limit. Standing at the door, we could see that the pub had spaced their tables out properly to allow for social distancing.
Unlike another pub, we passed on our way home. It was full and there were around a dozen people huddled together outside smoking. It is infuriating and frustrating to see people and places flaunting the rules in this way when we have the threat of tighter rules and local lockdowns hanging above our heads.
The Second Wave and Vulnerable People
Another difference compared to the national lockdown period is that there has been no advice for people more at risk. I am in a risk group having finished my womb cancer treatments less than a year ago (you can read more about womb cancer here). How are we supposed to navigate the rising tide of infections this time?
During the national lockdown, I had to shelter for twelve weeks. As a teacher, I worked from home using a virtual classroom which I found a giant pain in the backside. Not because I resented having to work from home, but because it was so frustrating. It is very challenging to support the children properly or to teach anything new virtually. When schools reopened in September, I was happy to return to proper teaching.
With the virus on the rise, I am left wondering what would happen if people in risk groups were told to shelter again. Would the government step up again and support us financially? I am now working as a supply teacher, so if I don’t work, I don’t earn. It would be financially impossible for me to shelter again without support from the government.
We Are Still in This Together
Since the guidance from the government is lacking and constantly changing, I think the best approach is to use our common sense. Avoid crowded places and public transport (if possible), work from home (if you can), and wear a mask.
I know there are those who are anti-mask. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but is it not better to be safe than sorry?
Yes, the masks are uncomfortable and hot and I only seem to be able to breathe with my mouth wide open when I wear one. Seriously, underneath my mask, I look like a fish out of water. But still, I choose to wear one because I’d rather take my chances with the mask than without.
Since the politicians are doing such a poor job in helping us navigate the second wave, let’s help each other and keep each other safe by adhering to social distancing and wearing masks in public places. There is light at the end of the Corona tunnel.
To finish, and hopefully to bring a smile on your face, I’d like to share comedian John Bishop’s take on the current situation. You can watch it here.
