LOCKDOWN DAY126

Hard to believe so much time has passed since my last blog!  We are now well into the school holidays, although it doesn't feel very different to the last few months.  Estelle has now officially finished P1 and ready to start P2 in only a few weeks!  I suspect the schools are likely to go back full time if the covid numbers stay low, but if not, they have a contingency of attending part time in bubbles.   I'm not sure which I would prefer to be honest.   I know I will be incredibly anxious about her returning and mixing with others, but she also desperately needs the social contact and routine.  She is excited but also very nervous - having not been at school for so long has been tough.

From a shielding perspective there have been some changes over the past month.  On 18th June they announced that shielding people could at last leave the house for a walk!  So it has been great to be able to take Dexter with Estelle -although we are only going round our own streets, as I am still avoiding anywhere crowded.   From the 20th June we have been allowed visitors to the garden (not indoors) with social distancing - I've been able to see mum and dad outside, but strange not being able to hug them!  I also got to see my bestie today for first time since lockdown!   From 10th July they announced children of those shielding can mix with other children under 12, if outside.   Estelle was therefore able to see her wee pal Joseph and his sister Holly (as they hadn't been seeing other people) - she was so happy to have someone to play with, after nearly 4 months with just us.   It's a tricky situation though as I still feel very anxious about having contact with anyone who might be inadvertently carrying the virus so she hasn't had any school friends to visit or been to anyone elses garden.

As restrictions start to ease, I must admit I am feeling increasingly anxious.  Although numbers in Scotland are low just now, the virus is still out there.   And its just as dangerous for me to get it as it was back in March when we locked down!   My lung function seems to be stable, but it's low, so I can't afford to have a further drop.  I do worry as things start to normalise that other people will become more lax and numbers might rise again.    It's fine for the government to ease shielding restrictions (and perhaps even pause it in august) but it doesn't really make me feel less worried.  For me to stay safe, I am relying on other people to help keep me safe.  I am relying on other people to follow social distancing and not spread the virus, and I'm relying on other people to follow rules and guidelines.  I was really glad when they made masks compulsory in shops.  I haven't been in a single shop since lockdown, but at least if I needed to, I would be safer.  I can wear a mask but transmission to me is only reduced significantly if the other person is wearing one too.   It's frustrating when people complain about having to wear them - it's just something we have to do if we want life to ever get back to normal.   I know people will argue that people should have a right to choose not to wear one or the right to ignore social distancing "i'll take the risk of getting covid"  - but it's not about the risk to that person, it's about the risks to those around them.  Not following rules then removes the choice for people shielding, who can only rejoin society if everyone works for the greater good.  I think I might be sounding a bit preachy, but it's hard being stuck in this situation where I wonder if it will ever feel safe again. 

On the upside, numbers are down in Scotland and we are making headway.  I am lucky to have been able to stay safe, with my wee family.  I have got food orders no problem, prescriptions delivered and the luxury of Andrew being able to work from home.   I've been busy with Estelle but also managed to fit in a few wee craft projects to keep me sane.  And of course I have the joyful Dexter to give me big fluffy cuddles every day :-)

Hopefully by the next time I blog, the numbers will be even lower, school will be back and maybe life will feel a bit more normal!