For most of us in the UK, we've now been living with Covid-19 for just over 6 months. I don't think any of us realistically thought things would be over by now. Well, not those of us paying attention, at least. But it almost feels like we're kind of back at the beginning again. Ok, so lockdown isn't what it was in March. We're allowed to go out and about to work, school, and do some economic activity outside of the home.
But we haven't seemingly made much progress. Maybe that's an unrealistic expectation to have. But now we're in this half way house where we can work, go to school, go to the shops, meet people outside, but we're still not able to fully live our lives. And I get why that is, I really do, and I'm not advocating we just loosen up entirely and let the virus go wild, but it feels like there's a multitude of experiences going on, and while some people feel they are back to a semblance of normality, others are feeling trapped and isolated.
Because of the nature of where the virus is spreading, namely in people's homes, the place we normally feel most comfortable with people is now the most dangerous, because we're almost too relaxed in those environments. The outside world, in terms of public transport, shops, restaurants etc all have us on high alert, with their signage, and restrictions, and rules, but at home we are tricked into feeling safe, and so we take risks, for which there is a price to pay.
You can understand the logic behind decisions but still feel a sense of loss. A key aspect of our humanity, our ability to foster and nurture emotional bonds with people is greatly limited, and will be even more so as the weather worsens and outdoor activities become less appealing.
A lot has been said about people who live alone, and rightly so, but even where people have partners, housemates, and/or family they live with, we all still have other important people in our lives who we are cut off from. And I can't help but feel that there's a massive assumption being made that those who are living with people aren't having those relationships strained, potentially doing lasting damage (whoever surmised there would be a baby boom after this pandemic must be a comedian).
We all need a break from this, but it's clear we won't be getting one anytime soon. A lot of the discourse has now turned to trying to salvage Christmas, as if it isn't a fixed date in the calendar that will happen regardless of Covid-19. Again, those of us with foresight probably realised we wouldn't get the Christmas we wanted months ago. It's just another disappointment on top of all the other let downs Covid-19 has created. Which doesn't mean it's easy to accept but it just makes all the hyperbole around 'saving Christmas' that much more difficult to stomach.
I have no doubt that in another 6 months' time, we'll be looking back on a year of Covid-19. Many more will have caught the virus, many more will have died, and many, many more will be dealing with the consequences of this time, as best they can, whether they be economic, emotional, financial, mental or social. I can't imagine anyone not being changed by this time in some way.
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