As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise and the threat of the lockdown continuing past the three week period looms over our heads we're left facing one terrifying question. How long could we really have to live like this?
Discover our latest podcast
The pandemic that is the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to wreak havoc as we progress into potentially more dangerous times. While for most countries in Europe the lockdown has been in place for over two weeks, there is the knowledge in the back of all of our heads that, given the current state of things, the lockdown must continue on in order to slow the spread of the virus. But how long will people be able to last not being able to do the things they want to do?
For those people who are lucky enough to have a yard, space for outdoor activities or even pools, warm weather is being welcomed and the lockdown may not affect their ability to enjoy a little bit of fresh air and opportunity to stretch their legs.
However, a lot of other people, who live in more urban areas are stuck, cooped up in their 1 bedroom or studio apartments, staring out the window, longing for the days that they were able to head to the park, go for a walk or meet at the pub to grab a pint with their friends.
According to the Derbyshire police and crime commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa, 'isolation fatigue' poses a very real threat to the lockdown, and will continue to do so especially if the lockdown period is extended beyond its initial projection of 3 weeks.
Just this past weekend, despite the UK's orders to remain in lockdown and only go outside for essentials or to exercise, many of London's local residents were seen outside at parks in large groups, sunbathing and seemingly not taking the lockdown and social distancing practices seriously.
London's Brockwell Park saw more than 3,000 visitors on Saturday, 4 April despite the government's orders to stay inside. With many gathering in large groups or simply sunbathing. As a result, the park was closed to deter the public from going outside. Unfortunately, it looks like the actions of the few may very well cause the rest of us to remain in lockdown longer than we'd like.
Authorities fear that enforcement of these new regulations will only become more difficult in the coming weeks as the weather continues to improve and the public is forced to remain indoors longer than they initially expected. This outcome seems inevitable as the rate of infection does not appear to have levelled off, in the UK nor on the global scale.
If we want to get this virus under control and return to our daily lives as we knew it, it's going to take the effort of the global population to do everything in their power to help contain the spread of this deadly virus. So be safe and #stayhome.
