Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

Original poster

Will they ban Meeting one person for Excercise?

106 replies

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:17

The area i takee my daily walk isnt very safe and it feels safer to walk in a pair.
I'm really hoping they don't stop it.
I know they have to do what it takes to bring infections down and I will always comply, with the rules but I'm crossing fingers that they won't change the excercise rule.

IDepending on where a person lives, it could be unsafe for some single people to be out walking and excercising their own.

OP posts:

LaurieFairyCake · 13/01/2021 13:18

Yes I think they will

Original poster

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:21

It's going to be a tough (and lonely) few months for a lot of people.

OP posts:

Calmandmeasured1 · 13/01/2021 13:24

If the infection rates don't fall and people take the Mickey and use it to socialise rather than to exercise, the Govt may have to remove it.

WalkingOnStarshine · 13/01/2021 13:24

I wouldn't be surprised if they change this so you can't meet someone else. So many people are using the rule just to socialise with no exercise going on. Is there anywhere else you can walk where you feel safer? Or is there perhaps a time of day when it's a bit busier with more people around?

Atalune · 13/01/2021 13:37

Could you cycle rather than walk is you’re solo?

Could you drive a short distance (barnard castle?!) for a safer spot?

Original poster

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:37

I live in the middle of a very built up area. I could walk round the block a few times
There a lovely park less than half a mile away which is fairly wooded. Its the sort of place you either want anorher person with you or a dog.
It feels as if even the simplest of pleasures are being stripped away from us, one by one.
Exercising, especially in a green environment is supposed to be good for mental healrh

OP posts:

crumpet · 13/01/2021 13:39

Can you arrange to walk at the same time as a friend, even if you don’t walk together you’ll both have the comfort of knowing there is someone else in sight/ earshot?

Janaih · 13/01/2021 13:40

I don't think they will, they are just trying to rule by fear at this point.
Cases are so high due to Christmas mixing 2 weeks ago. They need to give restrictions a chance to bed in and take effect.

Original poster

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:41

@Atalune

Could you cycle rather than walk is you’re solo?

Could you drive a short distance (barnard castle?!) for a safer spot?

I cant ride a bike

It's not that important.
I just felt like a moan. It's so grey and miserable t the moment and I look
forward to my once a day walks with my friend.

OP posts:

Original poster

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:42

@crumpet

Can you arrange to walk at the same time as a friend, even if you don’t walk together you’ll both have the comfort of knowing there is someone else in sight/ earshot?

I hadn't thought of that. Good idea.

OP posts:

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 13/01/2021 13:43

I hope so because some people are taking the piss.

SunKeepsShining · 13/01/2021 13:44

Wales has since December, friends can’t meet up there. Which I think is actually driving people to meet inside/sneak around more. Allowing people to meet side or in gardens will actually have people being sensible and not going into each other’s houses still.

puffinkoala · 13/01/2021 13:44

It would have a disproportionate effect on women (given we can't go out in the dark, or at least don't feel safe doing so and the days are short - and also as you say in the daylight you may not feel safe alone either) so I hope not.

The new rules in Scotland haven't done away with it.

They might tighten up the under 5s rule. I think allowing two adults with babes in arms to meet is one thing but two adults with four or five kids between them isn't so great.

puffinkoala · 13/01/2021 13:45

@chocolatesaltyballs22

I hope so because some people are taking the piss.

How?

TheMerrickBoy · 13/01/2021 13:47

I also think they might, it's probably the easiest for them to introduce and the easiest to police.

I noticed walking the other day that basically nobody is alone - which is obviously a lot of contacts, and a lot less space on the pavement.

But it would disproportionately affect women, especially while the days are so short.

Original poster

likeamillpond · 13/01/2021 13:54

When it comes to less space on the pavement, if people automatically fell into single file when passing other people, there wouldn't be a problem.
The trouble is not everyone is considerate and they spoil it for the rest.

OP posts:

TheMerrickBoy · 13/01/2021 13:55

Absolutely. The amount of people who just take it as their god-given right to be 2 x2 and assume your place is in the road is staggering.

Hapixmas · 13/01/2021 13:59

This is one rule I think they shouldn't change. Nearly a year in now, mental health through the roof for many people.
I don't live alone but am single and share a house with 2 others. We get along to say hi to but nothing more..
So I can't bubble with anyone else, my only saving grace is meeting one person outdoors.

RedskyBynight · 13/01/2021 14:00

People are taking the piss by meeting a different friend every day for socialising rather than exercise. And they are not socially distancing. It's quite tricky to have a conversation if you are 2 metres apart and moving, hence why people are not meant to be socialising. And there's the knock on impact that some people think if they are allowed to meet 1 person then meeting 2 or 3 should also be ok, so just do it anyway.

DownWhichOfLate · 13/01/2021 14:01

No. The government need to crack down on places where the virus actually spreads. Exercise with a friend is not that place. And is also hugely beneficial both physically and mentally.

PotentPangolin · 13/01/2021 14:03

What about support bubbles? It is far safer for people to meet their support bubble outside (including for exercise) than to meet indoors. I assume this exemption will still apply.

I also agree about safety of women. I walk in the country and probably wouldn't do the exercise if I had to do it on my own.

ChocOrange1 · 13/01/2021 14:03

@Calmandmeasured1

If the infection rates don't fall and people take the Mickey and use it to socialise rather than to exercise, the Govt may have to remove it.

What difference does it make? I mean actually, in terms of virus transmission? If I meet a friend for a walk and chat and stay 2m apart, how is that more risky than meeting a friend for a run?

If people think this is why the virus levels are high, you're deluded. Meeting one other person for exercise or otherwise is not a big driver of infections.

DownWhichOfLate · 13/01/2021 14:05

I think it’s usually the people who don’t exercise / have no one to meet up with who are in support of this. From the comfort of their lonely sofa.

Hapixmas · 13/01/2021 14:07

@RedskyBynight

But why take a lifeline away from people because others stretch it to more than 1 person? Maybe that is who the police need to clamp down on. If they stop being being allowed to meet one person outdoors, that could affect them really badly. Whereas those who want to break the rules will break them regardless.

clopper · 13/01/2021 14:08

I think it would be terrible if they did this and would encourage people to meet inside instead. I cannot see the problem if you are outside. It will just make so many people miserable and ultimately lead to less compliance. Draconian in the extreme. I am sure that factory environments, over- full schools, supermarkets and nurseries are fuelling the spread more than meeting one person outside.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5