Page 8 | to remind you that we are actually allowed outside?

stardance · 05/04/2020 09:28

Yes this is annoying me a bit. All this 'stay home!' stuff is making people think that they must not leave the house at all. They then criticise others for going out to exercise or shop.

Even people with symptoms and therefore self isolating are allowed to leave the house for exercise! (Confuses me a bit, surely for their 7 day/ 14 day isolation they should be staying at home due to the chance of getting too close to others and passing it off on, but that's the rules so they're doing nothing wrong!)

CatherineOfAragonsPomegranate · 05/04/2020 09:28

It will be interesting to survey the population's fitness levels after this is over. Will people maintain their new-found fitness and healthier lifestyle though, that's the question.

Following the couch potato phenomenon, what I think is interesting is that it has traditionally been assumed that people are choosing not to exercise and 'take responsibility for their health' out of laziness. I have always at this simplistic message which is loaded with blame, knowing many people who do 2 or even 3 jobs just to make ends meet.

What we are perhaps seeing now is that given less constraints on their time, and a drop in perhaps excessive working hours with accompanying less stress, (which spikes cortisol, places adrenals under stress, negatively affects sleep, results in need for more calories and makes losing weight harder) people want to exercise and feel they can make time for it as a priority instead of relaxation as a priority.

So lets hope our working culture changes. Which it won't, but still.

derxa · 05/04/2020 09:30

I feel for you pishposh stuck in a small flat. You are a sensible person and wish lots of others were more like you. Go out and exercise and observe social distancing. Guard your physical and mental health. I fear for lots of children whose parents are not going to be able to cope well being cooped up.

stardance · 05/04/2020 09:36

And those questioning why people who never went out to exercise before suddenly need to do it now.... maybe they used to walk the school run daily, maybe they used to go to the gym which is now closed, maybe the went for a swim regularly but now can't, maybe they had a physical job which they're no longer doing.

I used to be on my feet lots at work, lots of walking around the building, then walk to pick the kids up from school. I need to make up for all those steps I'm missing out on!

JinglingHellsBells · 05/04/2020 09:39

There are people abusing the instructions however.

Photos online of people having BBQs, picnics and lying on the beach.

In their heads they probably wonder why not.

But the issue is when hundreds of other people in their town behave the same way so they end up in close proximity, maybe using public loos, (understandably) or even popping into off licences, food stores, garages, en route. Using cards and cash is risk and my bet is that some people will stop and buy drinks or food on the way to parks and beauty spots.

It's often more about what else is happening on the way to the park or beach which could involve others and transmission.

Going for a walk or taking your child out to the park is fine, but maybe if you can see the number of people in it, avoid it until it's quieter?

minmooch · 05/04/2020 09:40

The sooner everyone stays at home then the sooner this will be over.

Yes you can go out for exercise but if someone sat down with you and said right to save your child's life then you have to stay in for a month. Then you'd do it. It wouldn't necessarily be nice but you'd do it - if you knew you were saving your child's life, your own, your mothers etc etc.

And I have had to do it when my son had cancer. 6 months living in a hospital with a pull out bed next to his, sealed windows so no fresh air, window on to a brick wall. Staying at my own home with my own stuff is a breeze.

You do what you need to do to save lives. And to save lives right now we need to stay at home for some weeks. Man up everyone and get on with it.

ilovesushi · 05/04/2020 09:41

Of course you have to get out for sunshine and exercise especially with a little one. It's important for your physical and mental health. x

Original poster

Pishposhpashy · 05/04/2020 09:43

Yes you can go out for exercise but if someone sat down with you and said right to save your child's life then you have to stay in for a month

Well they haven't so I don't see how this is relevant.

OP posts:

ilovecakeandwine · 05/04/2020 09:43

You are quite right you are allowed to go out for exercise.
I think that's the thing the rules are set but other people have decided they are not strict enough fair point that's your opinion but the rules are currently you can go out for exercise.
If people do that you can't go mad because they are observing the rules set.
Even the media it was people not observing the stay home rule they are out sunbathing etc , then you will read the article and it was say majority of people are following it's the small minority that aren't .
So that's the thing me going out for 1 walk a day won't be the fact that the lockdown is increased or bigger fines brought in or tougher regime it will be those ignoring what they are supposed to be doing . Those who think they can go out in groups or sunbathe etc . The weather is getting better now so this will run and run . If you feel happier staying in your house 247 do so but do not complain at people going for a walk as that is what is allowed.

SallyWD · 05/04/2020 09:44

I agree - just seen a post telling everyone to stay in despite the lovely weather. Saying don't even go out for a walk to honour the two nurses that died. My heart breaks for the nurses and their families but we ARE allowed to go for a walk. It's important to look after your mental and physical health too. My friend lives alone and suffers from anxiety and depression. She's not able to see anyone bevause of lockdown and she's spiralling in to a deeper depression. I'm very concerned about her. The only thing that keeps her sane is a walk on her local heath (just outside her house) yet she keeps seeing posts saying she's not allowed to do that which is making her very stressed. We are allowed!

Itsjustthesame · 05/04/2020 09:47

I think there’s a balance though. Go out and walk in the park - fine. However I live in an area with a big park and wide open Heath - and yesterday saw people doing things like having a picnic and laying in the sun. That’s not exercise that’s leisure.

Big groups - far too large and mixed to be from one household, teenagers playing football in big groups etc.

VegetableMunge · 05/04/2020 09:47

Yes you can go out for exercise but if someone sat down with you and said right to save your child's life then you have to stay in for a month. Then you'd do it. It wouldn't necessarily be nice but you'd do it - if you knew you were saving your child's life, your own, your mothers etc etc.

What does this have to do with the situation at hand?

Shinyletsbebadguys · 05/04/2020 09:49

I honestly think one of the previous pp posts has defined for me the issue that is making me so angry.

Something like , I have a garden and I have a stable relationship with my family so I never leave the house the important bit is the next sentence "so I think everyone should do the same "

How unbelievably incandescently ignorant and arrogant.

I am in the same situation, but I do not for a second presume to make decisions for others.

The majority of the world are desperately trying to do what is right for them in a controlled manner. Yes of course there ar emotions taking the mick with bbq and parties and fortunately the police have the powers that deal with them.

But honestly, the vitriol thrown at people walking their kids in a green space for half an hour tells me all I need to know about the arrogance of those throwing mud.

I have said it before in here , people have long memories and they will remember your behaviour and your words. For several pp I would be very careful because you wont have relationships to go back to if you keep flinging this kind of controlling arrogant perspective

wanderings · 05/04/2020 09:50

I'm glad to see a sensible thread on this, I'm surprised the frothing "you're all going to die" mob haven't been all over this one yet, with their haloes and pitchforks. (Have the shops run out of them yet?)

I'm certain that the government (perhaps with a few prods to the press, and maybe even a few plants on social media) is encouraging this culture of spying on each other, to keep our attention away from the government. Say it louder, please @MGMidget. Boris's spin doctors are working overtime. This worries me a lot more than the virus itself.

And if I hear the mantra "stay safe,stay home" one more bloody time I'll scream. Agree. Also the word "unprecedented".

Ticklemeelmo · 05/04/2020 09:50

I agree. I also live in London in a flat with a small baby, so have been going to the park next to our flat for walks and jogging. Given that obesity seems to play a role in how badly the virus affects people I think it's important to keep exercising. We keep as far away from everyone else as possible.

Closing parks and forests isn't the answer in London at least, all that does is make the streets even more congested with people out walking!

vanillandhoney · 05/04/2020 09:55

I think there’s a balance though. Go out and walk in the park - fine. However I live in an area with a big park and wide open Heath - and yesterday saw people doing things like having a picnic and laying in the sun. That’s not exercise that’s leisure.

And sunbathing in the local park is already against "the rules". But that doesn't mean people should be criticised for going to their local park for a walk or bike ride with the kids.

minmooch · 05/04/2020 09:55

Well they haven't so I don't see how this is relevant.

The bit in every news that says Stay At Home, Save Lives.

Every hospital, dr nurse saying please stay home to save lives.

Every notice of every death, young and old.

Every note of how it's believed to be transmitted etc.

It seems pretty obvious to me. Stay in, protect yourself, but more importantly protect others.

Notso · 05/04/2020 10:01

YANBU I'm sick of people gleefully trying to catch others out.

My family has been 'shamed' on the neighbourhood Facebook group. There's 6 of us. Me, DH, adult DC, teen DC and two primary DC.
We've been photographed and labelled as a 'gathering of idiots'. We were in a field with nobody else in it running around with the kids playing tag etc. When a few dog walkers appeared we stopped and walked on. Someone from a nearby flat took a photo.
On another occasion someone said we were two families meeting up. What actually happened was we left the house together, after a few mins DC4 needed the toilet so I took him back then we 'met' the others who were waiting for us down the road.
A man told DH and I off for holding hands, he got within a foot of us to tell us we should be 2m apart from each other!
I've also had passive aggressive comments in the supermarket for having a trolley full of food. Just a normal shop for the 6 of us.

Ticklemeelmo · 05/04/2020 10:02

The bit in every news that says Stay At Home, Save Lives.

Yes, while it also acknowledges that there are some exceptions to this which people need to remain healthy while they stay home- shopping infrequently for food, getting medicine from a pharmacy, and run cycle or walk outside once a day. Or did you miss that bit?

ilovecakeandwine · 05/04/2020 10:03

@minmooch you can go out for exercise
[[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces
Government guidance]]e urges people to "stay local"", use open spaces near their home and avoid unnecessary travel

	Guidance to police says that the public shouldn't be sanctioned for "travelling a reasonable distance to exercise" - although no definition has been given
	People should only exercise once a day, although in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland there is no legal ban on exercising more than that. In Wales, which sets its own health regulations, exercising more than once a day is now illegal - and potentially a criminal offence
	You can exercise alone or with members of your own household
	Gatherings of more than two in parks and public spaces have been banned (ruling out most team sports)
	Dogs can be walked as part of a person's daily exercise

No mention is given to how long you can exercise for. But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has said: "I would have thought for most people a walk of up to an hour, a run of 30 minutes or a cycle ride of between that, depending on their level of fitness, is appropriate."

OlaEliza · 05/04/2020 10:07

I mean, if you have a garden, bully for you. But I don't, we are allowed out, and I will continue to take my son for a walk in the fresh air once a day.

My common sense tells me that a walk round the block and back in is acceptable, a trip to the park isn't.

LuaDipa · 05/04/2020 10:07

I’ve said this before on here but I am more upset and worried about the hatred and judgement being spouted than I am about the virus.

There is enough negativity in the world at the minute without neighbours spying on each other and people screeching stay home whenever someone sets foot outside their front door. The vast majority of people are quite rightly concerned and taking every precaution. I understand that judgement comes from a place of worry but the nasty, scathing tone is unnecessary.

This type of thing brings out the best and worst in people, and I’m very sad to be seeing so much of the worst.

VegetableMunge · 05/04/2020 10:08

If it seems obvious to you that you need to stay in the house entirely for a month not going anywhere minimooch, you haven't understood. Not only are there exemptions for those not shielded, vulnerable or needing to quarantine/self isolate, but it also might last much longer than a month. And since when were the NHS advising people not to exercise the right to go out once a day to exercise safely?

Original poster

Pishposhpashy · 05/04/2020 10:13

My common sense tells me that a walk round the block and back in is acceptable, a trip to the park isn't.

A walk round the block would have me dodging out of people's way every ten seconds, a run around the park wouldn't.

OP posts:

CatherineOfAragonsPomegranate · 05/04/2020 10:13

However I live in an area with a big park and wide open Heath - and yesterday saw people doing things like having a picnic and laying in the sun. That’s not exercise that’s leisure.

This is the point. Yesterday the park was full of sunbathers and picnic makers.

And cyclists are cycling in large groups.

For these reasons ammunition is given to the snoopers and if it continues parks will get closed even to those just walking through.