This is the first Saturday under the newly-relaxed rules. ‘Stay at home’ has been replaced by the confusing ‘Stay alert’.
We can now drive any distance for exercise.
Sit in a park, or on a beach, without moving.
Socialise with one person not from the same household.
Visit one family member we do not live with.
Go back to work if conditions are safe.
Golf clubs and tennis clubs are open again.
Some more shops, like garden centres, are open again.
This started in earnest last Tuesday, and I had already noticed a 100% increase in traffic from the previous week. It still wasn’t ‘normal’ traffic, but noticeably heavier. Yesterday, far more people were exercising on Hoe Rough, having driven there to do so. One person who stopped and spoke to me had driven four miles to get there, and had never been there previously. The regional news reported a huge number of people had driven to the beaches and beauty spots on the north Norfolk coast. By ‘huge number’, they meant a lot more than last week, but nowhere near a ‘normal’ amount of visitors.
Wales and Scotland have their own separate governments, and have been quick to disassociate themselves with the relaxed rules handed out by Boris Johnson. They don’t want anyone crossing borders for tourism, and intend to keep the previous lockdown rules in place for now. As both of those countries are a six-hour drive from Beetley, there was no danger of me flouting their regulations.
As I sit here, there is not much difference to notice. A few cars are driving past, probably off to the supermarkets. Otherwise, it is ‘Beetley-peaceful’, with not even a dog barking.
But the weather is warming up. By next week, we should be seeing summer-value temperatures.
I’m guessing that wil provoke more radical changes around here.
The benefits of not living in the city are many.
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Oh yes, Jennie. Glad to be out of London during this.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I bet! Best to you, Pete.
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Stay safe Pete, this thing ain’t going anywhere.
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Thanks, Lloyd. That’s my feeling too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Best wishes Pete.
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I think the government is annoyed that not enough of the “useless” old and poor have died yet so best be getting on with infecting them.
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Or they noticed that I was still alive, and continuing to grumble in Beetley. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Patience is in short supply around here too, Pete. We’re not going anywhere, not yet.
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Glad to hear that, Lara. Carry on the same way, until we kno if there’s a second wave.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s actually quieter around here, but I suspect that’s because everyone has headed to the beaches now that they can. I have stayed away this weekend, but may take a drive during the week. Of course with cafés and loos closed you can’t stay out for long!
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I saw some crowded roads and car park queues in Devon and Dorset. God knows where they are going to find a toilet to use when they arrive. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Just heard one family on the news saying they had driven for an hour and a half to get to Durdle Door in Dorset! They have opened the car park there but no mention of toilets and although there is a signposted one way walk in operation I saw people very close to each other on the steps down to the beach.
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This morning there was a man from Visit Cornwall on the BBC. He was saying ‘Don’t Visit Cornwall’. That amused me. 🙂
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Sounds just like our village Pete, all is quiet. However the main road was blocked up with tourists trying to get into the forest – in the end the council urgently closed everywhere again. (Only to cars, luckily locals have a right of way footpath)
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Glad to hear that. Might put off more coming tomorrow. Perhaps they should put a ‘Forest Closed’ sign on that main road?
Best wishes, Pete.
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Will the newly relaxed rules permit dogs to bark, at least some of the time, in Beetley?
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Only Ollie, according to Boris Johnson. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I can’t even remember what we can and shouldn’t do. Somehow – sorry – I get these announcements. These are necessary, without a doubt. Still weird.
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Just stay safe, Michael, that’s all you have to do! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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So true as sad. Cant regret The only good thing is, for work i am much more digitized as others around me. 😉 However, this now leads to me to be reachable 24/7.
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it is all confusing here, Pete. all one has to do is look at the numbers (which are still not good) and use discretion. i believe some are blinded by power, greed and money. they can’t seen to align for the common good. so sad.
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Much the same with our government, but not as confusing as 50 different states all doing their own thing.
Take care, Wilma.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ah, Summer, the radical season 🙂 I rather expect the fear will continue as long as the number of cases and deaths are reported. Warmest regards, Theo
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I hope so, Theo. I think it is only the fear that has been saving more lives.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I suspect you are right. Warmest regards, Theo
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Pete, as you are aware, here in the US there are AT LEAST 50 different plans underway for states, plus add int he cities, counties and the like and it is completely confusing….the Los Angeles beaches reopened here – there are miles and miles and miles of them, but the rule here is you CAN’T stop, must keep moving…OK we’ll see!
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Yes, it is much worse for you. Here, we have only three different sets of rules to worry about, and Beetley is a long way from two of those.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m way up north in Eureka, John. While most people are still showing great restraint, I hear more and more rumblings from folks around here who are losing patience. I’m glad that our governor is taking a more conservative approach to reopening.
It is bizarre that the government creates “guidelines,” and then states keep reopening without meeting them. I expect that is the President’s escape clause if things go south—blame it on the governors.
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I’d be interested to know John, even with the state’s ultimately h saving jurisdiction, do you still feel overall federal leadership could’ve unified the response?
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There is NO “federal leadership” unfortunately….while each state has different issues, a coherent “national” strategy would have been far more effective. I don’t think we’ve had ANY leadership on a national level.
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Besides Dr Fauci. God bless that man. 🙂 Thank you John.
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Indeed, there are many who are trying, but have been put in a horrible position of appeasing someone’s political goals instead of focusing only on the issue at hand.
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Yes, the Federal government is the glue that ties us all together, instead of having 50 separate fiefdoms…while each state has their own unique issues, a national response brings it all together in a lbetter way.
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It’s more than a little confusing Pete. I’ve no idea why people couldn’t fish but also don’t want to see all the hard work wasted….
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Yes, fishing is a solitary enough hobby, I agree. Fingers crossed people don’t go crazy, but you know people…
Best wishes, Pete.
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I do. Although since Boris said exercise when you want the number of cyclists and joggers seems to have dropped!
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Well, you know how things are here in the U.S. as far as “relaxing” the restrictions. I’m very afraid we’re all going to be paying a very heavy price.
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I can only agree with you – unfortunately. We had to drive through town [Fredericksburg/TX] yesterday, and things looked like any normal weekend before Corona. We could not see anybody wearing a mask, and there was no social distancing at all. Now, with trepidation, we are waiting for the next update on infections. So far, I think, we have been very lucky, with only 5 cases here in Gillespie County, 4 of which have recovered by now.
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Glad to hear you are avoiding the worst in Texas, Pit.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well, it’s only in Gillespie County that we have avoided the worst so far. For the Texas on the whole it’s horrible, and I’m very much afraid that it will get much worse here, with tourists flocking in without any consideration of the consequences.
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Opening tourism so soon is crazy. I know the economy is tumbling, but your state will certainly regret the short-sighted attitude of those in power.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete, and stay healthy.
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It does feel like that to me. Out with Ollie today, the amount of people I saw was back to near normal for Beetley, but most were strictly observing a big distance from each other.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree with Fraggle. The virus isn’t waning. We were set to extend our restrictions, then there were demonstrations of just a few (less than a hundred) in front of the capital. The Governor gave in and has relaxed restrictions. Relaxed is such an inadaquate word. She may as well have just abolished them.
Bars open, beaches, gyms, churches and travel. “As long as social distancing is observed”. Right.
Our traffic picked up nearly two weeks ago. People simply tired of staying home and out of work. I predicted a spike, as soon as the incubation time ticked off. It’s here. Montgomery, Alabama (20 miles away) made national news, as a new major hot spot.
In one day this past week. 86 were admitted to hospitals in the area so critical, that they all needed respirators. It can hit some people very fast, within hours.
Stay safe, out there.
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I live in Alabama as well Ron and the increase of confirmed cases in the state this week was it’s second highest yet. Deaths hold the dubious distinction of being the highest.
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Keep safe, dear Kim. 🙂
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A good example of just why the confusing ‘relaxation’ of rules will continue to spread the virus. I wonder if any of those who demonstrated for their ‘freedoms’ are now on repirators?
Best wishes, Pete.
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Once it is said that you can work, if it is safe to work, all offices open with sanitizers on all desk. Nobody can care less than the management that still stays at home. I have seen the number of people that Covid positive in UK and the decision seems scary. India is still observing lockdown since March. And the way they are pushing dates, it might go on for another month, at least. Having said that, government is providing free food rations to people with ration cards (which should ideally be everyone but isn’t). Rest are dependent on others to help them. There are many, but never enough.
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Thanks for the update on life in India, Shaily. Sadly, I do believe our government is prepared to sacrifice a percentage of the population in order to save money and return businesses to profit.
Best wishes, Pete.
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😟
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Everything that has been done in the name of safety (and I credit all with good intentions, but you know where those lead…) has been confusing. Some of this I attribute to a new virus that seems to have a million different faces. As soon as they think they have a handle on it, some new symptom or patch of data crops up that turns everything on its head. One thing is sure, based on our experience in the US: it spreads like wildfire in enclosed, institutional environments (nursing homes, prisons, cruise ships), or in big crowds (Mardi Gras). We will ease back into some sort of day-to-day “normal” because we must. People have to feed their families, and keep a roof over their heads, and we can’t just keep printing money. Nor can we, or should we, have the government telling us all what to do forever. I just pray that people will be smart and respectful. I will be staying very close to home for some time and will continue to be compliant, hoping and praying that science finds a solution soon.
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Thanks for your considered thoughts, Angela, and I completely uderstand them. Sadly, I have long ago given up on the idea that most people know how to be smart or respectful, at least most of those I have met.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I take some pleasure in the fact that those who drive miles to reach the Lake District are going to find all the hotels and pubs are closed – and so are the toilets!
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Same down here. No toilets or cafes open. Few car parks open, and a general encouragement to ‘stay away’. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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With the number of new people with the virus still in your country, that looks like madness. Stay safe, and virus-free!
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Yes, Carolyn. It is madness on the surface, cynical profiteering and cost-cutting under the surface.
Fortunately, many schools are opposing the order to resume classes in June, and most councils are not opening up car parks and facilities at pleasure spots.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you, I wonder at the haste our Government in Australua has at trying to pretend things will be as normal soon. And then I look to the US, and there’s more madness.
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Has the bikini-clad ghost of the rough ho been seen again on Hoe Rough?
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Not since, Stevie. Though I suspect her one-off appearance might be drawing hopeful crowds! 🙂
Best wishes, pete.
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Maybe it’s a tad chilly for her today…
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Teehee!
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Same here Pete…..relaxation of rules and stupid charge for the beach and Malls…..I am still the same recluse I was always….me, Sue, Little Man, and MoMo…I am perfectly happy with that….be well….chuq
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Yes indeed. No change for me at the moment, though Ollie’s groomer has opened up, so he can have a bath next week. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Take to the river with a bar of soap…LOL chuq
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It’s the river that makes him smell. 🙂
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Kinda like the beach water here…..she will play in it but add soap and you think I am trying to kill her…..LOL chuq
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http://www.shonasnotsosecretdiary.wordpress.com
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Yes I agree with you..@lobotero @beetleypete
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Yes, keep staying safe, Shona. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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You too Pete😊🙏
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The general impression I am receiving in response to this latest pronouncement is confusion, closely supported by a healthy dose of incredulity and sarcasm; no doubt hard-core government supporters [with whom I tend not to associate] might blindly & credulously support the new government ‘advice’ [used advisedly ;)] but I think their numbers might be diminishing, by now. I am confident that many people are sensible and will act responsibly, but as we both know, it is always the irresponsible & inconsiderate minority that spoils the world for the sensible majority. Cheers, Jon.
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With many wealthy people (and lots of politicians) enjoying the luxury of second homes, and a round of golf or tennis match, a cynical person (Moi?) might believe that the ‘drive anyhere’ rule was to allow them to use their relaxing ‘Dachas’.
And going back to work saves a lot of the 80% furlough payments of course. So if a few more people die, it is unlikely they will care about that.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I can’t argue with any of that, Pete. Cheers, Jon.
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Yep, I think you’re right
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Thanks, Sue. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Agreed!
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Glad it’s not just me then. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Easing restrictions is nothing to do with public health, it’s because the Tory’s and their rich benefactors pockets are emptying.
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As Ned Flanders from The Simpsons might say, “Yesindeedydoodley”. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Which is why they want younger kiddies back in school, so their parents can get back to work and save
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Yes, worth noting that the majority of fee-paying schools are not opening until September, can’t risk the elite’s kids getting sick.
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I think they should begin the summer holidays early (start in mid-June) and restart the new year in August (as they do in Scotland) so schools have time to prepare and kids have an extra month added to the next year. Have a two week break in October. That way they won’t be starting and stopping again.
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And don’t forget all the pensions saved.
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