We are still in some sort of lockdown with a new set of “flexible rules” that have been recently introduced by the British government.
In lockdown now for what seems like years
Some have argued that the 50-page document outlining the governance is largely confusing, but one sentiment I have taken away from this rhetoric is, “common sense”. For me, the guidance and safety that was set in place initially, largely, still applies and whilst we have been afforded some flexibility with whom we come into contact with, it still resonates that we must remain steadfast in what we do and continue to maintain social distancing, especially with people who we are not familiar with. I don’t understand why people think the new guidance is confusing – it’s common sense folks and we have to resist returning to what we used to do – we just can’t!
My wife, Sarah and I have been in lockdown now for what seemingly feels like ‘years’. We have binged watched almost every show conceivable and, on a daily basis, we strive to source new content across Netflix and Amazon Prime – our ‘go-to’ source for “passing the time”. Yet, we have become so aware of what we do.
What should we do post-Covid19?
For example, Sarah goes to the shop on a fortnightly basis, with a view to restrict who she comes into contact with when out and about. Likewise, we walk our dogs twice a day – ensuring that if we pass strangers, we walk on the other side of the road. Our woofters remain on their leads, reducing any chance of inadvertently coming into contact with anyone – our Chihuahuas are super cute, and people can’t resist wanting to stroke them.
I know we have binged watched a senseless amount of TV, but we do conduct our daily lives using various forms of remote tools such as Zoom and Skype, for any business-related activities and FaceTime with our family. We should ask ourselves, if this is something we could continue doing post-Covid-19, since if we can continue to embrace remote working where possible, avoiding the daily commute, which has huge environmental benefits, then surely this is something companies should begin to start planning?
Until next time…
Something else, we have taken away from our lockdown experience, is our fortnightly shop. We have been so careful in what we have purchased, ensuring that our fresh produce and meat will comfortably last us two weeks. There is no waste; we purchase what we consume – in its entirety! Alas, prior to this whole Covid19 pandemic, we would often needlessly over-stock with products that were eventually thrown-away because they would pass their best before date. Now, we mindfully cook on a daily basis and steer away from ordering takeaways – I’m just so aware, perhaps paranoid, as to the cleanliness of the restaurants providing the food and their attention to detail when it comes to hygiene during this crisis. Naturally, there are those who think they are invincible but, as we have seen, that’s certainly not the case.
So, Sarah and I have truly valued the fresh produce principal and are cooking fresh, local ingredients every day, as echoed by many British chefs. However, I’m not sure when cafés and restaurants will return, but following this experience, it will have to be something very special before I re-enter a café or restaurant.
So, this is where a ‘changing for the future’ Dr G, signs off.
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