Social Distancing: A Distant Memory?
For months now, Ireland has been on lockdown due to COVID-19. With social restrictions and guidelines in place for all. Undoubtably this has been a difficult time for all. Some more so than others. Many including myself have also managed to persevere and make the most of the situation and have many positives/learnings they can take from this virus that has swept the globe. There will be a separate article and podcast on this in the coming week. Stay tuned. Why not sign up to our newsletter for notifications of when a new article is released? Or Follow us on Social Medias, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or tune into us on Podcast Platforms.
I must say/ acknowledge, this has been such a difficult time for many and for those who did or know someone who did contract the virus and express my deepest sympathies and best wishes to them. I have personally great pride in how the nation of Ireland has managed to combat and contain the spread of Corona Virus. There has been a momentous effort by the majority of the population to uphold/ obey the restrictions and guidelines. For that I thank you.
As we begin to lift restrictions and attempt to embark on the country’s roadmap to recovery, restrictions are easing. I think the key word there is “easing”. The buzz termis “The New Normal”, the new normal means the continued implementation of some key measures taken during the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Such as Social Distancing, Hand Sanitisation Stations, Regular Cleaning of Surfaces in Shops or Places of Business, Limitations to Travel, Reduced Capacity of Indoorand Outdoor events (Mainly to ensure Social Distancing), Prolonging Working from Home Arrangements where possible, Wearing Face Coverings (Particularly on Public Transport and in Shops) and more.
With all that being said it seems COVID-19 and Lockdown is a distant memory for some. They no longer follow some/ all of the above government guidelines. In the past week(s) I have seen some instances of total disregard for Social Distancing in particular, which I will discuss in more detail in a podcast. Some observations both from Social Media and Observations when out and about. 1. Crowded Social Amenities such as Parks, Beaches, Piers, Play Grounds, 2. Back to back ques for shops (we all seen the ques into Pennys in town), 3. Secret and some not so secret sessions in public areas (Large groups not just a few mates hanging around together), and lastly 4. the Quenching of Horny thirsts, out and about finally meeting that girl from Tinder you’ve been texting since mid-March and going at it, tonsil tennis and going at it like rabbits.
Something I fear may happen as restrictions ease more and more is the “Elastic Band Effect” people have been deprived of social interaction and many indulgences which were once a regular/ normal occurance. Now that we tell people they can do so (with caveats and conditions). I fear the natural instinct is to over indulge and go back to exactly how things were in a pre-COVID-19 world.
Second Wave? Inbound? I hope not!
I want to point out by writing this I am merely highlighting the fact these things are occurring. By no means am I telling people what they can and can’t do…. But try keep to the guidelines as best possible.
I respect people mean no harm nor do I suggest they are wrong for seeing their friends, family or loved ones. However, I do hope we can continue to flatten the curve and to be respectful, mindful, and considerate to health staff, the elderly and those who are vulnerable. Whilst we try to balance economic recovery and the resumption of our leisurely pleasures we so dearly missed during lockdown.
Stay Safe, look after yourself, Look after your friends, family and loved ones. Flatten that curve and lift your spirits.
Peace out! Ladvice!