As numbers go up, will you be avoiding public places?

[Twoforthree]

I will certainly be cutting back on visits when numbers rise higher, even though I’ve had it and am double vacinated. I really don’t want to be ill again. It wasn’t pleasant.
At the moment I’m taking the risk but when masks are relaxed and if/when numbers are higher, I’ll be restricting my movements. I know I’m “low risk” but I still don’t want to be ill in bed again.

Anyone else?

@deydododatdodontdeydo I agree. It’s not Covid itself that is “ripping through schools” but rather the disproportionate response to covid that is having severe implications for schools.

It’s simply not the case that huge numbers of children are at home, seriously ill, bedridden with covid etc. It’s more that government policies have mean thousands of healthy children are at home because someone in their (sometimes massive) bubble may have covid.

Yes. Being double vaccinated doesn't mean you can't or won't catch it or possibly, pass it on to someone who is vulnerable; there is a high chance you will not be seriously ill enough to be hospitalised - this is the benefit of the vaccine. As Andrew Marr reported in an article on the BBC a few days ago - he was ill having caught it and it was not pleasant BUT at least he wasn't seriously ill - a concern might also be long Covid which could be seriously debilitating - I'll continue to avoid crowded places where like minded people will congregate and see how things develop over the next few months - I don't find it a problem wearing a mask - people in Honk Kong, Japan, South Korea and parts of China have been wearing masks for years for a variety of reasons - air pollution for one.

@MyCreateIsUsernamed

I can understand that for a CEV person or unvaccinated person the risks are greater so that the balance is different for them.

Their risk would be lowered if the rest of us were careful though. I think that's worth making an effort for, don't you? Clinically vulnerable people have had a hell of a time of things. I don't want to be responsible for them having to restrict themselves or put themselves at risk when there are fairly simple steps I can take to mitigate spread, like wearing a mask or complying with number restrictions or doing a quick whoosh with the swab a couple of times a week that takes seconds. Disabled and seriously ill people have restricted opportunities even in normal times and they've been massively adversely impacted by this pandemic. Let's not entrench those inequalities further for the sake of a bit of fabric over our faces.

This is so reassuring to read! Somebody with some empathy and common courtesy, thank-you

No. Double jabbed and done with restrictions. Looking forward to not having to wear a mask or distance. I completely agree with the personal choice plan. Those who are worried can stay in and avoid places if they wish and the rest of us can get on with life.

Nope. We have to learn to live with the virus and it's over for me now. I won't let it dictate my life any longer.

@Thekindofwindowsfaceslookinat

You could be ill from anything at any time. Even before covid you could have fallen ill with one of a whole host of infectious viruses or bacterial illnesses that were much higher risk to you than covid. Loads of people were and still are walking around spreading other viruses that will have you in bed for a week or more. Did you ever worry about it before?

Well yes, but a global pandemic has a way of concentrating the mind.

I was extremely ill with flu previously in 2017 - despite being vaccinated. I had taken my children to the theatre as a Christmas treat and that's almost certainly where I picked it up (am CEV for respiratory reasons).

So I'm very careful now at the best of times, for that and other reasons.

Thank you to the people that want to be careful to help the vulnerable, it's much appreciated.

The case numbers are completely irrelevant- it's the severity that's the import data. Vaccines are doing their job.
Why anyone would want to continue locked up, over what is to most a mild cold at this point, is beyond me.
Covid will always be here - just like flu. Going by some things I've seen, there will be some people locked inside forever.
Stop watching the news and go outside

@NotSure94

I know they're just announced they're scrapping bubbles in schools to revert to contact tracing but honestly as children aren't vaccinated and the new variants are super contagious how are any of them going to spend any time in schools. The numbers show the way it's going for that age cohort, it's ripping through schools, that's only going to get worse isn't it?

Homeschooling will be back with avengance by October! It's like we are sleepwalking back into it all.

But to answer your Q OP - definitely. When I have been in London for work I have been walking not taking tube etc where poss and I'll keep that up.

No - it won't.

No. Double jabbed & I take lateral flow tests twice a week for work. What else can I do? I can’t live the rest of my life locked inside.

I’ll continue to wear masks on busy public transport, as I use it every day. But I come in to contact with lots of people every day at work (no mask wearing) so if I’m going to get covid, I’m going to get it.

If the situation changes and the rise in cases leads to overwhelmed hospitals and more deaths, I’ll reconsider. The gov’t will have to review, too. But right now, after 15 months of working through a pandemic, I will be enjoying a bit of freedom this summer.

Nope. I'm totally done. We need to live with this now.

@MyCreateIsUsernamed

I can understand that for a CEV person or unvaccinated person the risks are greater so that the balance is different for them.

Their risk would be lowered if the rest of us were careful though. I think that's worth making an effort for, don't you? Clinically vulnerable people have had a hell of a time of things. I don't want to be responsible for them having to restrict themselves or put themselves at risk when there are fairly simple steps I can take to mitigate spread, like wearing a mask or complying with number restrictions or doing a quick whoosh with the swab a couple of times a week that takes seconds. Disabled and seriously ill people have restricted opportunities even in normal times and they've been massively adversely impacted by this pandemic. Let's not entrench those inequalities further for the sake of a bit of fabric over our faces.

All very true.

My OH is CEV (blood cancer) and has been shielding for much of the past year. We've only just started going out a bit more, nothing crowded, just the likes of garden centres on quiet days etc. We're only in our 50's but acting as if we're in our 90's. We have no plans at all to go abroad or go anywhere where crowds are expected.

But, it would be nice to continue doing "normal" things, like shopping, going to quieter attractions, maybe a UK holiday, a meal in a restaurant etc. We'll be tipping our toes in the water VERY slowly over the next few months. One eye on the numbers of infections, another eye on whether things look "busy". The more we see other people being respectful, i.e. wearing masks in crowded indoor places, washing hands, maintaining social distance etc., the more we'll do as it will give us confidence to be out and about more.

But if you just get a bit poorly but aren’t seriously ill and don’t end up in hospital isn’t that the same as any number of other illnesses?

I had flu and whilst i didn't end up in hospital it was horrible, fortnight in bed and several more weeks feeling a bit shit. If that's all covid would be then I'd rather not have it!

Don't they also estimate 1 in 10 who have covid have long covid, it changes your blood vessels somehow. Don't fancy that either.

Will I make major changes to my life to avoid any chance of catching it? No.
Will I make choices about whether to do an outdoor activity or visit a shopping center? Yes.
Will I go into a supermarket (rather than getting home delivery)? No.

@Puffalicious

Nope. I'm totally done. We need to live with this now.

We have heard people say that since February/ March 2020..

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing.

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing.

One thing I’m pleased to be moving away from is this.

If people want to stay inside they can.

@Gwenhwyfar

"Whenever we go to socially spaced but potentially risky environments (GP surgery, hospital outpatients) we observe additional precautions ( a shower and change of clothes on return home)."

Is this warranted given that it's rarely transmitted by surfaces?

In riskier environments there may be a higher level of airborne virus.

[quote PromisingMiddleagedWoman]@deydododatdodontdeydo I agree. It’s not Covid itself that is “ripping through schools” but rather the disproportionate response to covid that is having severe implications for schools.

It’s simply not the case that huge numbers of children are at home, seriously ill, bedridden with covid etc. It’s more that government policies have mean thousands of healthy children are at home because someone in their (sometimes massive) bubble may have covid.[/quote]
Just watching Sky News and they have said only 4% of school children currently at home isolating have actually tested positive

Thats a hell of a lot of perfectly healthy kids having their education interrupted

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing

After a year and a half of job loss, bereavement, isolation, mental health in the toilet and worry this comment has to be sarcasm surely?

I'm not but I hope others do then I can get round Ikea quickly when I go after the 19th.

@MarshaBradyo

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing.

One thing I’m pleased to be moving away from is this.

If people want to stay inside they can.

but it's so flipping tedious. People being bored or fed up is not a valid reason to stop or carry on with restrictions one way or another.

It never was, and never will be. The whole 'it's all about ME and my level of boredom" must be one of the worst aspect of this pandemic.

@TheVampiresWife

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing

After a year and a half of job loss, bereavement, isolation, mental health in the toilet and worry this comment has to be sarcasm surely?

You’d hope.

@TheVampiresWife

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing

After a year and a half of job loss, bereavement, isolation, mental health in the toilet and worry this comment has to be sarcasm surely?

I don’t think so unfortunately

@peboh

I don't understand people using the word unchecked. We aren't allowing covid to roam unchecked. We have the vaccines, we just have to have faith that it will be enough.

I agree. Plus regular testing. It's not 'unchecked' at all.

@TheVampiresWife

The lack of resilience of some people is depressing

After a year and a half of job loss, bereavement, isolation, mental health in the toilet and worry this comment has to be sarcasm surely?

give us a break, WHO hasn't work in a year and a half exactly? I can't think of one place here that is still shut.

Even air pilot are back!

And isolation? Please, the lockdown and restrictions have ended months ago!

@TheVampiresWife

After a year and a half of job loss, bereavement, isolation, mental health in the toilet and worry this comment has to be sarcasm surely?

This description has sadly been the reality for many of us pre Covid, I am sure there was no sarcasm intended, the selfish entitlement and yes lack of resilience on many of these threads though does depress me further.

@CuckooCuckooClock

Yes. If no masks and no social distancing and no limited numbers then my family will certainly be avoiding a lot of things this summer.

Us too. Will continue to shop online and not visit places.