There’s some further easing of lockdown – some good, some anxiety inducing.
Traffic is up today. Walking to and from Brockwell Park, traffic seemed about 70% of what it was in ‘normal’ times. I shouldn’t be surprised. Yep, avoid public transport, drive, cycle or walk where you can….
Lambeth Council have narrowed some of the roads to give more space to pedestrians. It will be interesting to see if such changes are made permanent.
The park was busy. While many stuck to social distancing, I saw at least one large gathering of what looked like a few families, trays of food out, hanging out together. Walking back, yes, happy to walk in the middle of the road as you walk in the middle of the footpath.
Generally it’s pretty easy. I think I have a look where it’s, ‘yep, out of my way’ though generally it’s me to make the first move. It isn’t always the case. I’m good at spotting those who will do everything they can to maintain the distance. Sometimes they move first. Other times it’s me. There’s generally a nod or a smile of acknowledgement.
The two changes in easing lockdown that have had the most benefit for me are:
- first, I can meet a friend. I’ve now seen two friends face to face since lockdown began, one of these today, oh the joy of a chat and a gossip; and,
- second, going out more than once a day for exercise has changed how I negotiate my day and my time. I’ve always walked a lot. It’s a meditation. It’s how I do my best thinking. It’s how I clear my headspace. It provides me with clarity that I couldn’t get when I could only go out once a day.
And on the government front, rumblings continue on the Dominic Cummings story. It seems his job at the PM’s advisor is safe for now. I expect that there will be a further dip in support for the government. The challenge is we’re pretty much stuck as there won’t be an election for another few years.
I didn’t listen to the daily briefing. I was out. The numbers are up again, a further 412 deaths across all care settings bringing the total to 37,460. Some of this will be due to delays of reporting over the Bank Holiday weekend. It also doesn’t account for deaths suspected to be Covid-19 related but not confirmed.
I’m listening less to the government briefings. Whenever I hear about how good a job that has been done, I find myself experiencing rage and fury. No admitting mistakes have been made when directly asked. And these mistakes have cost many many lives.
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced a track and trace system that will launch tomorrow. The overarching aim will be to replace lockdowns at a national scale and localise these to individuals and potentially communities. Close contacts will be asked to stay at home for 14 days. I’ll write more on this tomorrow.
So that’s it for Day 65. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!