Too scared to leave the house

[CariadCymru]

I went for a walk a few days ago and no one was sticking to any kind of social distancing rules. 3/4 people passed me and my toddler DS at a distance much less than a metre never mind 2 meters. It’s ruined my mental health. I am now terrified me or DS is going to fall ill and I’m just wishing the days away until we are 14 days clear and I can relax a bit more.
It has also meant I don’t want to leave the house. I know that’s unfair on DS and we don’t have a garden so it’s the only way he’s getting fresh air. I feel like an awful parent and like the worry is ruining both of our lives.
Please someone tell me it’s going to be ok/ slap some sense into me.

Are you or any of your household vulnerable to shielding OP?

Or

It's going to be OK.
Can you try going out at a different time?
It's a lot less busy on the streets in the evenings. Keep trying until you find a time and a place to go you feel comfortable with. Staying in all the time is going to harm your mental health.

I've heard it's much harder to catch this outside in the fresh air. The idiots that were too close to you were probably there for a second or two.
I'm sure you'll be fine. But I totally understand your worries.
Would it be possible to go a walk earlier on in the day and early evening? I find it's quieter then.
Once ds is in bed, have a cuppa and try to watch something, to take your mind of it all.
It's hard days, be kind to yourself

Me and my DS have asthma but it’s mild for both of us. I know I’m being ridiculous. I’m under 30. He’s obviously a child. But I saw ONS data showing 300 people under 40 have died and instead of being reassured by it, it has panicked me. Feels like a lottery even if the odds are stacked in your favour.

You've probably got more chance of being run over by a car than dying of CV at your age.

The 2 meter rule comes from the UK govt. The WHO suggest 1 meter, but really the distance between you is only relevant when looked at in conjunction with the time spent like that.
for example 2 minutes at 1 meter is more risky that 5 seconds at 1 metre.

It's terrifying, I agree. I'm scared to go out too, unless it's somewhere I can keep my distance.
But we have to keep our heads on. You are young and that's greatly in your favour. Wash your hands when you go out and in and keep sane. I know it's not easy.

Full Haz Mat suits for you and the toddler obvs. or you could educate yourself about the genuine risks...or just stay indoors!

They’ve said, unless the person coughs on your face, the chance of getting COVID from passing someone is negligible

You don’t need to be terrified, that is a totally disproportionate reaction. The situation you described is extremely unlikely to cause you any problems.

Honestly you'll be fine. But I'd have a think about getting some help for your MH.

Thing is OP, no one can tell you it will be ok, but it probably will. Hopefully there won't be any PA 'are you usually this anxious' responses because your concerns aren't unfounded.

Are you a single parent? If not, can your DP take your DS out so that he gets his outdoor time? Otherwise I would be tempted to drive a short distance to find a quieter spot.

You’ll be fine. Try not to worry.
All the research points to this virus being hard to catch outdoors.

I’m on my own, don’t have any family and am stressed that if I die I don’t trust anyone enough to look after my DS. I think coronavirus has forced me to confront these facts. Which although is a good thing, it’s also terrifying.

Plenty of empathy shown here. Calm down.

Do you live in a very densely populated area?

I get what you mean op. This virus makes us confront things we don't want to think about.

@Ginfordinner I live in Cardiff, so fairly densely populated, yes.

Your lock down isn't lefted then yet, like ours. I'd just go out at less busy times, if you can.

It isn’t lifted @ssd but it might as well be as no one seems to care anymore about social distancing and it always seems busy.

I understand OP, I worry about being unable to look after my DD if me and her Dad are poorly. Cardiff must be a complete mare to get out and about in - without being too outing, are you near any of the city parks, where you can perhaps socially distance with more ease? Second what a PP has said about going out at quieter times.

Here are the number of deaths from NHS, 73 females under 40 have died and most of those would’ve had underlying health issues. Mild
asthma is not a high risk.

www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/COVID-19-total-announced-deaths-17-May-2020.xlsx

But we have to keep our heads on

^ This.
You don't want your toddler picking up on that. I'm having to watch myself big time. I think the more calmly I handle it, the better my kids will weather the changes to come.
I agree with a PP on current research re: corona and outside time.