Self isolating in a London flat

[LHSmum]

I have a very active 19mo and live in a small flat in London with no outdoor space. If we needed to self isolate we would realistically have to do so as a family because there is nowhere to hide!!

The prospect of having to stay indoors for 7/14 days without any fresh air/ outdoor space is very daunting though! Anyone in the same boat and have any suggestions about managing this? I’ve heard some people say that they went to the park (but not the playground) while self isolating as there aren’t surfaces to transmit the virus and you can stay far away from people.

Keen to do that right thing if we’re in that situation but it would be incredibly challenging to stay indoors!

What the fuck is wrong with people. Self isolating that.
It doesn’t matter if it’s hard work. You just do it.
WTAF is wrong with people.
Read some books. Watch some telly
Do some exercises on YouTube.

7-14 days is nothing in the grand scheme of things. You can open windows to let some fresh air in. As the pp suggested, we have plenty of entertainment options nowadays. It's not like you're just going to have to sit there staring at the walls.

I don't understand how it seems so hard? Surely you do this every time your family is ill with flu, bad colds, tummy bugs etc.?

It's only a week or two with full access to the internet, TV and everything else you have at home to keep you occupied, it's not as if you've been put in permanent isolation...

Self isolating means just that, isolating yourself so trips to the park (or anywhere else) are out. However, I get your point about it being more difficult with a young child. Although TV may amuse you, it won't do much for a 19 month old. You could plan some messy play to keep DC entertained and have fun bath time with toys, etc. It won't be easy (for anyone) but needs must.

You're not supposed to go further then your front door....or your garden. You don't have a garden....so tough. Stay in the flat & play with your child. Pinterest has THOUSANDS of ideas.

It's also not just about touching surfaces. The virus is spread through droplets that remain in the air for some time - so you could walk into it. You'll just have to stay inside. Open the windows for fresh air (which is what you're advised to do anyway).

I’ve started prepping today incase we are in isolation with our 18 month old. We have a tuff tray so I’ve bought a few new bits today and started having a think about what we have and what I can do. Don’t get me wrong, Cbeebies will be doing a shift too, but I don’t want her sitting in front of a telly for 2 weeks+. We are in a flat too but at least have a balcony so can get some outside time / fresh air. It’s a necessary situation unfortunately.

I’m trying to plan one ‘activity’ per day and then the rest will be free play, telly, books etc as usual. Five minute mum is a great resource which I use a lot too. She has a book out but also a blog.