Easing Out Of Lockdown
Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, seeks advice from the experts
COMING out of lockdown is a welcome thought, but it could be daunting after going for almost 12 months with reduced social contact and enforced inactivity.
Professor Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology at Birmingham City University, has some advice that can help with the transition.
“People should feel free to ‘unlock’ at their own pace and not be pressured into getting back to how life was unnecessarily quickly,” he says. “We all know what feels right for us and should ask family and friends not to push us until we feel ready.”
If you’re feeling anxious about seeing people again, it might be a good idea to meet with just one person at a time, or with a small number of friends or family members for the first time.
“Consider whether meeting outside for a walk is a better option than in someone’s home, once restrictions allow. If you do decide to meet in someone’s home, avoid hugging and kissing and keep rooms ventilated,” Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, says.
“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. What is needed is understanding, encouragement and support, and we can all play a part in that.”
Despite more people having COVID-19 vaccinations, you may still feel concerned about going out to pubs, shops, to the hairdresser or dentist.
“Remember, businesses have requirements that they should follow to keep you safe,” Caroline says. “If you are unsure, speak to any organisation you are visiting to see what measures they have introduced to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“Continue good hygiene practice such as hand washing, wearing a face mask, social distancing and carrying antibacterial hand gel.”
It might make sense to continue to avoid busy places where social distancing will be challenging.
“Services such as dentists and hairdressers can exert more socialdistancing control over fellow customers and will be able to maintain COVID security more effectively than pubs and restaurants,” Professor Jackson adds.
“If we think a shop or service does not have suitable levels of COVID security, we are free to walk away and go elsewhere.”
If you have social anxieties or phobias, or have been shielding for over a year, the idea of busy shops and city centres may be overwhelming.
“It will take some adjustment and graded exposure,” Professor Jackson says. “They could be as busy as both the run-up to Christmas and the January sales combined, and many may feel the need to stay away for their own good.”
The prospect of being able to attend events such as a wedding or to pay your respects in person at a funeral might be welcome, but needs to be considered carefully, Professor Jackson points out
“These are emotional events, which means we might not be thinking straight. We should only really attempt to attend such events when we are feeling ‘match fit’. Nobody will expect us to attend if we’re not feeling up to it.”
If you need advice, call Age UK’S advice line on 0800 678 1602 (open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.), or visit www.ageuk. org.uk. For anyone looking for a cheerful chat, contact the Silver Line’s free and confidential helpline, open day or night on 0800 470 80 90. ■