COVID-19 and social distancing - what is it, tips, how to cope?

Social distancing will be extremely hard. I am a widow, live by myself, so life will be changed dramatically, as l go out most days. Just sad no regular family and friends visiting...Chemist now delivery medication ordering shopping on line. However let’s look on the bright side, l won’t spend so much, will get lots of jobs done, spend more time on the phone and communicating on social media, watching tv, etc etc.

My husband and I are self isolating for 12 weeks soon, although will go out with the dog for a few short walks, my husband due to asthma and age, and me due to diabetes, may have to go to certain shops, but not main shopping centre, but have plenty of groups around us who are offering help.

I have just finished chemotherapy. What are opinions on going walking with friends? I'm thinking if we keep our distance, are in the fresh air, go to remote places - there are lots around us luckily, and arrive in separate cars (if driving) we should be fine... I love walking with friends and can't really see a problem with it as long as we take the usual precautions and they're not coughing and appear symptom free. Any thoughts?

I was pleased to hear about the additional measures we were told on Monday’s press conference.  I now feel the government is taking measures to protect those at greatest risk.  I have Rheumatoid Arthritis for which I receive biological infusions and take Methotrexate, so I am immunocompromised.  I am also asthmatic.  However there still is uncertainty and greater clarity is needed.   I took the decision to work remotely from home yesterday.  My husband is retired and is able to shop for us.   We’ve decided to stay at home for the foreseeable future, only going out in the car to take walks on the beach or on the moors.  Does that count as non-essential travel?   Should I stay just within my house.  My husband has stopped attending his gym.  Other than the precautions the population as a whole should be taking are there any other additional precautions he should take to protect us both?  Should he continue to go to the supermarket?  There are no home delivery slots for 3 weeks.   We’re trying to be sensible and do what we can to protect ourselves and others.  

Hello all, thank you for your comments. The coming weeks may be challenging for us all, but together I think we should able to keep our spirits up. The Carenity Team and I will do our best to answer any question you may have and be a valuable resource to you for guidance and support. If you haven't yet seen, yesterday we posted an article that clarifies the coronavirus and COVID-19 infection and tries to summarize the key sources of information and advice. I'll link it below:

Coronavirus: What do you need to know?

@LynnieMP‍ I believe that you should be OK to take the car for walks, as long as you both maintain a safe distance from others. For the shopping, it may be advised to use home delivery, and if that's not possible as you mentioned, you may want to ask for help from others or take extra precautions (washing of hands, or shared surfaces, try to maintain a safe distance from others in public spaces). I hope this helps.

Take care everyone,

Courtney

@Courtney_J I cannot see where I can post my comments. I have to go out soon to discuss property and therefore would be meeting someone indoors and exchanging documents etc. Is this a problem. 

J. B.

@Jeanniebeannie Hello Jeanniebeannie, thank you for commenting. You can share you comments on the article by scrolling to the very bottom of the page. There is a text box that looks exactly like the one you used to comment here. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions!

For the moment, social distancing or isolation is not mandatory in the UK, but is strongly advised, so it would be up to your discretion if you decide to continue with your meeting. The Prime Minister has recommended that all non-essential contact with others be reduced, if not stopped, especially for those over 70 and those with an underlying condition. I would suggest consulting the sites listed in the article for advice, or better yet, consulting your GP. He or she should be in a better place to advise you.

Take care,

Courtney

Hi there hope everyone stays healthy and safe my husband had lung cancer and had his lung removed I have copd I would like to know although we are going to self isolated can we still see our grand children who are 10 and 6 if not showing any symptoms  or there parents it will break my heart if I can’t see them I know we have all to be careful but if we follow the hygiene rule would we be ok I’m 61 and my husband is 69 thankyou hope to get a reply soon just give me a bit of hope x

I have no problem with 'social distancing' as I have stage 3 COPD and therefore cough rather a lot.  This has resulted in any social setting in immediately clearing a large space in all directions around me. I am beginning to understand how Typhoid Mary would have felt.

I am too independent and have many imperative personal tasks to complete. I believe in cancelling big events where there are many gathering crowds, etc. but also at the same time I am obviously more alert and think of others  for social distancing... I have many friends who think the same way; we are still sensible and logical as far as COVID-19 is concerned.