Yesterday the Prime Minister gave another address to the nation, when he announced the beginning of the easing of the lockdown here in the UK. With infection rates still high and more than six hundred people dying each day from COVID-19, I am horrified by the message this is sending to the general public.
People will now be able to take unlimited exercise each day, even driving to their destination of choice, as long as you stay within English boarders. They will be able to spend time relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the summer weather. Many people are also being encouraged to return to work, but not to use public transport, all the while children have not been told to return to school. The wearing of masks is being encouraged, although not being made compulsory and walking and bike riding is being actively promoted. The message coming out of Downing Street is often difficult to understand, contradictory and at odds with advice given by the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The original mantra of 'Stay Home' has been replaced with 'Stay Alert,' making the message even more ambiguous than ever and I find the Government's response woefully inadequate!
I have a rather long list of concerns, which I will express fully in another blog, but I wanted to say how anxious I am for the safety of myself and other key workers, now Britain is being opened up for business, far too soon in my opinion. I have worked throughout this crisis, despite having certain vulnerabilities that make me more at risk from Coronavirus. Although I wasn't told to self-isolate, I have been mindful of following Public Health England advice to the letter. I have social distanced, sanitized my hands and avoided contact with my family. After suffering what could have been COVID symptoms. I am well aware of just how bad this disease can be. With Millions of people preparing to come back out, it is people like me who will suffer most; this is not a time I am looking forward to.
Once again I have been doing my daily exercises, following different routes around Portsmouth. I am walking between 5 and seven miles a day and feeling better for it. The weather over the last few days has been by and large OK and it has once again been good to get out and walk, losing a few pounds and getting my blood pressure under control. In 2015 when I was prescribed Enalapril to regulate my BP, it stood at 148/90, today it has fallen to 99/72, a massive drop. I have of course given up cigarettes, alcohol and some of the more processed foods and cheese I used to like, and I am living a relatively healthy life. However, there is a but. I have begun to notice I have a lot of pain in my left leg. It is stiff, painful and at times difficult to move, which is a worry. If the Doctors surgery was operating as normal, I would most certainly make an appointment, but I will be able to speak to my GP on Thursday, who also wants to discuss my trip to A&E last week!
So another week of work and sightseeing, back to Tesco tomorrow. As lockdowns go, this one is as good as it can be and when I can see my family again, life will be perfect, until then I shall most certainly be staying at home!
