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Will social distancing be around for years

126 replies

frasersmummy · 14/05/2020 18:36

Is this our life now.. Queues outside every shop. Kids no longer in full time education
Family gatherings banned
Theatres dark cinemas closed.

I don't think I could cope mentally if this goes on beyond the end of the summer with no end in sight.

OP posts:
WhiteChocTwix · 14/05/2020 19:52

@teenagetantrums I agree with you. Family and friends are such a big part of care home life. It's not the same when we can't all be together. I so miss popping in for a coffee and a gossip with DF. His care home are talking about having one nominated visitor per resident. Not sure if it'll get off the ground but we'll see...

LudaMusser · 14/05/2020 19:59

Social distancing will exist for at least this year. I think you'll find certain ppl social distance forever unless there is a vaccine found

AlaskaThunderfuckHiiiiiiiii · 14/05/2020 20:01

I just want to see my hairdresser! European countries managed to open them first but they are last here?! And I’m in a rural area of Scotland with very few deaths and no new cases for over a week so no reason why they couldn’t open first

TinRoofRusty · 14/05/2020 20:04

No. Human society cannot function without it.

outofthemoon · 14/05/2020 20:05

I am old so I can remember more aloof days. I remember university. We were happy, we loved each other, we are friends yet, but we didn't hug and kiss each other like my daughter's generation do. It was just a different way of life. I can also remember measles and mumps and rubella doing the rounds when I was child.Scarlet fever and diphtheria too. I am so grateful for the vaccines we have now, but happy life is possible without. My mother can remember the first antibiotics coming in to nursing- she was a nurse. So, I think, with this new awful virus we can learn to adapt, be more careful. But still live good lives.

duletty · 14/05/2020 20:08

Previous poster- People would rather die of covid than continue isolating for a few more months? This really concerns me more that people are being failed by MH services-what support is available for those struggling?

Bagelsandbrie · 14/05/2020 20:08

I am scared this is the new normal. I hate it. As someone with autism I really struggle with masks as I rely on faces to “read” people. I know my son who also has autism does as well. I find I can’t actually understand what people are saying at all if they talk whilst wearing a mask. It’s like I’ve suddenly become completely invisible and can’t partake in society at all. I feel really depressed at the thought that this might continue long term. I hate the queues. I want to be able to browse round the shops, have lunch out somewhere etc.

HandfulOfFlowers · 14/05/2020 20:12

Nope. People will just start taking their chances with the virus.

SpillTheTeaa · 14/05/2020 20:16

No I don't think so.
I have hopes that this won't be our new way of life.
This virus will go, yes we have adapted to new things like being more aware of hand hygiene which is actually a good thing.
It may take some time like anything but it will slowly go back to normal we just have to ride this one out.

woodlandwalker · 14/05/2020 20:22

I think before the end of the year we will be able to see family and friends again and browse the shops with some social distancing. I miss going out for meals but think it will be quite a while before pubs and restaurants open normally. Cinemas, theatres, churches, museums and galleries should stay closed for longer. I do expect it to be a long time before large events such as football matches and other big sporting events, as well as festivals and other big music events happen.

toolatetooearly · 14/05/2020 20:25

Of course it's not "our life" now. It might well be for much of 2020. But I dunno, 2010 seems like yesterday, 2021 and 2022 will roll around soon enough...

MummyPop00 · 14/05/2020 20:34

Its not Ebola, fatality of Covid is what, 1% ? We know the vulnerable groups & they know what to do if they take it seriously.

The healthy majority will take their chances if science can’t help.

AustBron · 14/05/2020 20:49

Mymmypop00 did you mean to sound quite so callous about the vulnerable "knowing what to do"?

sv877 · 14/05/2020 20:51

For years? No way. If it goes on too lomg without a vaccine people will just adapt to the risk and carry on with their lives regardless.

VerticalHorizon · 14/05/2020 20:57

If all of life adapted... we would too, and some of the things we lose would be replaced by other things... and appreciation of life, our environment, our loved ones.

Life doesnt have to be a rat race, and whilst I think there will be an end to these troubles, I can still envisage a world where we see things in a new positive way.

RunningNinja79 · 14/05/2020 20:59

No, surely even the "lets stay locked up forever" brigade will get fed up eventually. If not them, then someone close to them.

I don't think it will suddenly happen though. Over time more and more things will open and the distance between people will get shorter and shorter until eventually it will be like before.

VerticalHorizon · 14/05/2020 21:03

The distance helps remind us of how intimate and precious closeness can be.
The slower pace helps remind us that work isnt everything.
The lack of school helps us realise how much children learn outside of us, and how valued teaching is (even teaching them yourself)

And even death is a reminder...

Value the days we have.

MereDintofPandiculation · 14/05/2020 21:13

I don't think I could cope mentally if this goes on beyond the end of the summer with no end in sight. If you're feeling like that, imagine what it's like for people who are shielding, who won't be leaving their home before Christmas if them. And their spouses, who are having to choose between going out and having to isolate within the house; or being able to share meals and a bed with their partner but never being able to leave the home.

ragged · 14/05/2020 21:23

I am wondering how much the birth rate will plummet.

LilacTree1 · 14/05/2020 21:28

Duletty “ People would rather die of covid than continue isolating for a few more months? This really concerns me more that people are being failed by MH services-what support is available for those struggling?”

As someone who has been in the MH system for years, I think we need to be realistic about what they can do.

They can offer meds - mine have been increased - and some talking therapies.

They can’t offer me the company of my loved ones in a lockdown.

Also you need to be very careful what you say and who you talk to in the current situation.

They are finally starting to run suicide stories in the press, which is a step forward and I hope it will make people realise there’s no mental health service that can offer a reasonable substitute for loved ones or a future where you can put food on the table.

It actually really puzzles me that so many people consider death the worst possible outcome of anything. And how governments worldwide were able to ruin everything because some people can’t accept death.

LilacTree1 · 14/05/2020 21:30

Mere the shielding advice is advice, you don’t have to live that way if you can face life being shorter.

Wewearpinkonwednesdays · 14/05/2020 21:31

No, people won't do it for years. They will be lucky if people keep it up until the end of this year.

LilacTree1 · 14/05/2020 21:39

This article might cheer people up

reaction.life/britain-cannot-live-in-matt-hancocks-lockdown-fantasy-world-forever/

CountFosco · 14/05/2020 21:39

The slower pace helps remind us that work isnt everything.

My work is even busier for ever, I work in pharma and the industry has gone crazy looking for treatments and cures. Not everyone is enjoying a slower pace of life.

Wynona · 14/05/2020 21:40

No. What is the science behind making children social distance? Can anyone direct me the research that this is a good idea?