Social isolating? Social Distancing? Day 13.

There is a new game:
Who will move first?
Will they say thank you?

Day 13 is done and we are all getting used to a new normal. The morning alarm is later as there is no commute. Every cough is dissected and radio stations selected for their 'happy news policy' - you are right- they don't have one. 

Trying to stay 2m (6ft) away from anyone is not easy, especially when walking along the street and the 'couple' coming the other way refuses to move from the centre of the pavement. And then you say thank you to them for NOT moving! 

Last weekend everyone was out; they were either not thinking or just being plain selfish. Then, as expected, we were put on 'Lockdown'. But it doesn't feel like Lockdown because we can go for a walk, go shopping for essentials and see the elderly- we just can't get to within 6ft of them or introduce 'germs' into their homes. Looking at the news from Italy, we can see where we are going- it will get worse, but staying 'indoors' protects us and the NHS.

BUT, what is worrying is the isolation, the lack of human contact. That is why I always smile when I pass anyone, and we may stop, leaving 6ft between us, for a 'human chat'. It may only last 5 minutes, but it is 5 minutes they are not alone. 

People are demanding that the parks are shut. The play equipment is closed as are the tennis courts, but closing off the open green spaces, where dads and sons can play football and families cycle and young girls can jog safely will create secondary issues such as loneness or depression. 

There is no quick end, we just have to rely on people we do not know to behave themselves.