What can make life better straight away?

There are lots of suggestions about what can be done in the future to start easing the lockdown. This idea is to highlight what can be done NOW to improve people's lives while we are still in lockdown. A common theme in this consultation is people want freedom to undertake more outdoor low contact small number sports and other activities such as sailing, hill waling, golf etc and many more. My point is these can all be allowed NOW as an extension to the "exercise" we are allowed to take, without any increased risks. We would also have to be allowed to travel to our chosen outdoor activity.

Why the contribution is important

This lockdown is likely to continue for a lot longer than people originally thought, and to make that bearable to most people, we must have some more freedom to responsibly take part in more outdoor activities that do not present a risk. If the people see they are being given a little more freedom to make the situation a bit better, they are far more likely to remain on side and respect the restrictions that remain. I feel it is important to allow some of these outdoor activities very soon, to show this consultation has been listened to and reacted upon. This is essential to improve the mental health of people while we are in lockdown.

by Dave_H on May 10, 2020 at 05:06PM

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Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by huntlyquine May 10, 2020 at 17:21

    Many of my local walks starting from my home, have bottlenecks where the paths are narrow and sometimes it is difficult to keep 2 metres from others. If I was allowed to drive a short distance of 5 miles to start a walk, that would give me the option of walking on wider forestry paths where there is less chance of encountering others. So I wish to request allowing short car journeys to start walks. People are now driving to some garden centres anyway for pre-ordered items so there is no logical reason for stopping driving for safe walks, which are more essential than getting plants

  • Posted by JLMBD May 10, 2020 at 17:29

    The reason sailing, hillwalking and suchlike are not allowed is precisely because THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK. Please see the MULTIPLE COMMENTS ON MULTIPLE PREVIOUS POSTS. Mountain rescue have asked people not to go to the hills. The coastguard have crticised people doing watersports for fun. This is because they are putting others at risk and any risk to others in the current situation is selfish.

  • Posted by OldDeuteronomy May 10, 2020 at 17:54

    Totally agree Dave. We absolutely need to open the doors a little wider for everyone. It is impossible to social distance (as above) in crowded towns and cities whilst exercising, and some travel must be permitted. Risks are risks the world over and occasionally need to be taken, and a little more freedom to roam is critical if we are to stay sane.

  • Posted by JLMBD May 10, 2020 at 18:37

    Old Deuteronomy it isn't your life you are risking. Rural areas, especially the Highlands, are largely C19 free and they have every right to do what it takes to keep their homes and loved ones protected.

  • Posted by Dave_H May 10, 2020 at 19:07

    Re the risk thing. A sailing friend of mine was relating how his partner had an accident cycling (allowable exercise at the moment) that involved 2 paramedics attending and a night in hospital. If you want NO risk then we must all not go out at all. Life has to accept risks. Sailing or playing golf is not a risky activity. When I was talking about these outdoor activities as being "no risk" I meant they are usually solo or in very small numbers outside in the open, so they pose no risk of spreading the virus. That is the risk we have to avoid at the moment. All I am calling for is a little more freedom to engage in activity that poses no risk of spreading the virus while at the same time giving the benefit of making the restrictions tolerable and for the metal health wellbeing of all of us, trying to comply with the restrictions.

  • Posted by OldDeuteronomy May 10, 2020 at 20:07

    JLMBD if the rural areas, especially the Highlands, wish to sanction their rights forever and a day then I guess that's up to them. If such a scenario was to persist then they would crumble over their ledge, and a lot sooner than they may envisage. And who would pick up the pieces? Life is a risk and we need to take risks to live at all. And by 'live' I mean 'live.' Enough of this cocooning ourselves; the Covid collateral damage (deaths) could soon prove to be higher than from Covid itself.
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