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Original poster

AIBU to go for a run if I am self isolating?

289 replies

narisha99 · 13/03/2020 08:33

Am expecting to be shot down in flames here, but bear with me....

Self isolation advice is to stay at home for a week and not even go out for a walk. I totally get why public places should be avoided etc, but given the risk of airbourne transmission is being with 2-3ft of someone for 15 mins this wouldn't happen if I went for a run or a walk. It would be very easy for me to go for a walk in a rural area / woods etc where I would be unlikely to see many people, and I certainly wouldn't be getting close to them.

OP posts:
Megan2018 · 13/03/2020 09:36

Genuinely the stupidity of some people on this thread is mind boggling. No wonder the government dumbs down the guidance but clearly they should tag everyone that needs isolating and then shoot those that go out.

I’m an animal person but dogs will be fine indoors for a week, they might be stressed and difficult but they won’t die. Runners need to stay in, your legs won’t fall off. Everyone needs to stay in if they meet the criteria. No exceptions. Boredom is ok! You don’t have a right to never be bored.

My horse is stabled 6 miles away, she needs daily care. I still won’t be able to drive over there if I self isolate. The other owners will help instead (as I would for them). Just because it’s a horse in a field with no houses around doesn’t mean it would ok to go.

Gumbo · 13/03/2020 09:37

Op, you haven't said whereabouts you live so it's hard to know how unreasonable you're being.

I go cycling before 05:00 most mornings. I live rurally and it's pitch black for much of the year at that time of day - and I've literally never encountered another person while I'm out. I don't stop off anywhere or touch anything except my handlebars, so if I was in self-isolation (and felt fine) I'd probably still carry on cycling at stupid-o'clock as I don't believe I'd pose any form of risk to anyone at all...

AriadnesFilament · 13/03/2020 09:37

As a matter of interest, how many people on this thread saying that, yes, go for a out as long as you go when it’s quiet and stay further than 2m away from any people you do see - how many of you also want the schools closed?

This type of attitude is EXACTLY why the government has not taken drastic measures yet. Because people cannot or will not stick to the instructions to isolate and this is right at the start of increased measures. Imagine how poor the levels of compliance would be 3-4 months in to really stringent social distancing measures.

People always think they know better, or their logic is sound so it won’t matter, or their personal circumstances trump the instructions (dog walking for e.g.).

The only way that we will get out of the other side of this in the most controlled way possible with the fewest deaths possible is to follow the instructions we are given, even if doing so is personally inconvenient.

Do not go out for a run.

cheesegrate · 13/03/2020 09:37

And I think Mumsnet is a hive of headless chickens that panic at the least of things

IrisAtwood · 13/03/2020 09:37

Those who are planning to go out despite being told to self isolate - how are you able to guarantee that you will not be in close contact with someone?

If you drive, you could breakdown and need assistance or be involved in an accident.

If you walk, then unless you live in an isolated area of the country I would be amazed that you can guarantee 100% not being within 2m of another person.

Its because of selfish people that I am facing months and months of isolation as I am very high risk. If everyone did the right thing, then we would all benefit.

But God forbid someone misses out on their daily run or has to keep the dog in the garden.

zafferana · 13/03/2020 09:37

No one asks runners for the time FFS! We're running, most of us with headphones on, and I wouldn't stop unless someone was in trouble.

LemonTT · 13/03/2020 09:38

Good god. If are at risk of having or are developing a respiratory illness you don’t go for a run. Period. It’s pre existing health guidelines.

Otherwise, if you are at risk of spreading a contagious disease, don’t go out. Lots of opportunities to touch someone or something. The government isn’t going to make a long list of exceptions to suit your selfish needs or circumstances. They have better things to do. Be responsible

daisypond · 13/03/2020 09:38

Dog walkers will have to go out even if they're infected ...
And yet again... Selfish, deluded and stupid. Dog walkers cannot go out if infected. Other countries are introducing fines and jail sentences for those breaking quarantine rules.

zafferana · 13/03/2020 09:38

Not everyone has a garden @IrisAtwood. It's a very MC, suburban assumption to make.

adaline · 13/03/2020 09:39

Why do so many people think they can just ignore the medical advice because they don't want to stay inside? Hmm

Self-isolation means exactly that. Staying at home. Not staying at home except when you're bored and fancy going for a walk or want to take the dog out.

Dog walkers will have to go out even if they're infected

No, they won't. Current advice is to STAY HOME. Yes, your dog might be bored but that's life. You can play with them at home - training, fetch in the garden, get them to chase balls - there's plenty you can do with a dog inside for a week. It won't kill them.

MajesticWhine · 13/03/2020 09:40

I think if you are advised to self isolate you might as well do it properly. It's the responsible thing to do. If I am in this position I think I can manage without a run for a few days. And my dogs are going to have to do their business on our small back patio 💩

FourTeaFallOut · 13/03/2020 09:41

No one asks runners for the time FFS! We're running, most of us with headphones on, and I wouldn't stop unless someone was in trouble.

The opening post says walk or run, surely you managed to get as far as the op, or did you just read the title?

adaline · 13/03/2020 09:41

Not everyone has a garden @IrisAtwood. It's a very MC, suburban assumption to make.

Then you need to find a space for your dog to toilet inside. Puppy pads can be used in an emergency, or square of a section of your home. No, it's not ideal but it is what it is. If the government puts the country on lockdown you're not going to have a choice!

It's not "self isolate unless you have a dog/want to go for a walk/have a race you need to train for" - it's self-isolate. For seven days. You don't get to pick and choose just because you don't want to stay home.

randomsabreuse · 13/03/2020 09:41

I'm not sure where a dog would go to the toilet indoors. Most would be very very distressed and confused by the idea...

zafferana · 13/03/2020 09:41

And where would you suggest their dog goes to the toilet if they live in a flat @adaline?

Inthepurplerain · 13/03/2020 09:42

The advice will work if people stick to it.
Do as you’ve been advised.

IrisAtwood · 13/03/2020 09:42

For example I was at a hospital earlier this week. I sat outside the cafe (in the cold) where there was no one else around. There was one two seater sofa that I sat on, the rest of the forty seats were empty.

A woman came out and said ‘Can I sit there?’ pointing to the seat next to me. I replied ‘I would rather you didn’t.’ She SAT DOWN ANYWAY. So I had to get up and move.

That’s the level of selfishness and stupidity we’re dealing with.

itoohaveopinions · 13/03/2020 09:42

Yabu. Self isolation is so important. Sure, you probably wouldn't encounter anybody whilst running/dog walking/cycling at the wee hours but what if you have an accident and need to call an ambulance out to get you? Or anything else that is unlikely but does happen???

Just stay at home. It's not for long and you'd be doing your fellow humans a kind service. Or you could take the risk and possibly inadvertently cause a death. And hopefully karma will get you for that.

adaline · 13/03/2020 09:43

@zafferana you'd have to make do with newspaper or puppy pads or nappies or similar.

I know it's not ideal but that's jut life, isn't it? What would you do if the government put the country on lockdown and gave you no choice?

Other countries are fining people and threatening them with jail time if they don't comply. It is inconvenient to stay home for a week but it's one week out of your entire life. Do it and you can save peoples' lives.

zafferana · 13/03/2020 09:43

Then you need to find a space for your dog to toilet inside. Puppy pads can be used in an emergency

Are you fucking serious? You can't make a dog that's trained to toilet outside shit on the floor! That would be so distressing and confusing for the dog. I don't have a dog, before you wade in and tell me I'm a murderer of old people, but this is a bonkers suggestion and shows how far a lot of people on MN have gone up their own fundament.

IrisAtwood · 13/03/2020 09:43

@adaline You keep them in the bathroom. on a hard floor or put newspapers down. People seem to manage with puppies who can’t go out.

puds11 · 13/03/2020 09:44

Do a workout video. I already have my home fitness planned for two weeks in the event I have to isolate and am fit enough to do it.

FourTeaFallOut · 13/03/2020 09:44

Jesus, I can totally see why the Chinese started to weld people into their homes.

Sooverthemill · 13/03/2020 09:45

Yes stay at home follow the advice ffs

adaline · 13/03/2020 09:45

I'm not sure where a dog would go to the toilet indoors. Most would be very very distressed and confused by the idea...

I'd rather my dog was temporarily distressed for seven days than I went out and got people killed because I was too selfish and inconsiderate to stay indoors. Your dog won't die because he/she has to toilet indoors for a few days, honestly.

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