Open Spaces or All Cooped-up?
By pgn
@pgntwo (22408)
Derry, Northern Ireland
April 5, 2020 1:19pm CST
The UK Government is having a hard time getting people to understand, and better yet, adhere to, the principle of "social distancing".
It's easy: Only go out when necessary - to do essential shopping, or to exercise (only once a day, please).
And when out, keep at least 6feet between you and anyone else you encounter.
The problem?
People ignore the advice, and congregate at picnics, parties, in gardens and open spaces.
The government's solution?
Close those spaces, stop people from going out, basically get people to stay at home. All the time.
I understand why, but then I understood 2 weeks ago - don't lock me in, I need to take the dog out for a walk, 40mins on foot up the street and into a field and back home again - I can do that.
Ever heard of "cabin-fever"? I need a little space, once a day, no need to drive there either. If everyone adheres to the rules, we can all get through this.
We can do it, without being threatened with fines, or imprisonment -- can't we?
6 people like this
7 responses
@xFiacre (13117)
• Ireland
5 Apr 20
@pgntwo And why would we need the instruction not to sunbathe on a day like today? When we were hit with the euphemistic term "social distancing" a few weeks ago geniuses like our good selves figured out what it meant but alas not everyone is that quick witted. It really ought to have come with a very specific and practical explanation from the start just to make sure.
2 people like this
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
6 Apr 20
The politicos have never been very good at communicating in terms the everyday man or woman can understand...
Conversely, the popular press have excelled at it, infusing it with their own brand of readily-digestible spin in the process. Alas.
2 people like this
@crossbones27 (49703)
• Mojave, California
5 Apr 20
I would hope so, I just want to say I love the use known words part. Dammit, I am arrested, I only speak in Cali slang. Good thing I live in Cali and they know what I mean here. 
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
I see on the news tonight that a few stupid people may ruin things for the rest of us. They were shown gathering together in public places. Things are so much better if we can get out for a daily walk, and go to the shop when absolutely necessary.
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 20
I can't understand why people just do not get it! Is it really that much of a hardship? We can still go for shopping for essentials, you can have a daily walk. You can walk your dog. I can think of far worse things! Stay home stay safe !
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121659)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Apr 20
I have had cabin fever big-time here. I've been stuck in quarantine for well over two weeks now, not allowed to go outside at all due to testing positive for the virus. It's driving me crazy! I am nearing the 3-week mark since being sick, and I'm finally starting to feel better. I may spend some time outside in my back yard this weekend (away from any other people of course) and just enjoy some sunshine.
1 person likes this
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
17 Apr 20
Sunshine, it is a great healer - for some people anyway. If you are sensitive to sunlight, I guess you will still benefit from it beaming down, it lifts the mood to be able to look out upon sunlit scenery.
Glad to hear you're coming out the other side, let's hope your body's now become resistant to the virus!
1 person likes this
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
18 Apr 20
@moffittjc I think this nasty bug is going to be around for a long time - immunity had better be conferred post-recovery!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121659)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Apr 20
@pgntwo I'm counting on having immunity after this. I better have immunity, after all I've been through!
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137461)
• United States
8 Apr 20
People here act like they don't understand that "Keep 6 feet between you and anyone you encounter." means them as well as other people... 
When I got to work a few days ago there were two large groups of people blocking the entrance to Walmart. These two groups were all hugging and telling each other, "I'm so glad none of you have gotten the Covid 19 virus!" I was thinking, "You aren't helping them keep clear of it and you're causing a traffic jam right here at the entrance to Walmart!"
Thank goodness the law here now says only one person per vehicle can enter Walmart! And associates are stationed at the only open door for Walmart to make sure the one person per vehicle is all that comes in!
When I got to work a few days ago there were two large groups of people blocking the entrance to Walmart. These two groups were all hugging and telling each other, "I'm so glad none of you have gotten the Covid 19 virus!" I was thinking, "You aren't helping them keep clear of it and you're causing a traffic jam right here at the entrance to Walmart!"
Thank goodness the law here now says only one person per vehicle can enter Walmart! And associates are stationed at the only open door for Walmart to make sure the one person per vehicle is all that comes in!1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137461)
• United States
11 Apr 20
@pgntwo I agree! That would be a great reminder!
1 person likes this
