Unmasked

Day 238: I don’t know about you but despite the general day to day hate and division in the UK (Politics, Brexit stance, petrol shortages and social media trolling) it does feel like we are finally getting back to some kind of normality. My social anxiety has been at its worst during the last 18 months particularly when we were in between lockdowns and restricted movement. I’ve now been on a family holiday, family days out, sporting events, a music gig, a stag doo, a wedding, restaurants, pubs, shops and I’ve started a yoga class!

It’s safe to say I’ve tackled my anxiety head on and whilst I’ve struggled during the events or battled depression immediately after them (seems to be the come down of doing something positive) it has all been worth it to get to today. As I write this I’m sitting in a Car Dealership whilst my motor gets checked for a fault. There are no masks on staff or customers and not a single sign advised to keep distance, wear a covering or sanitise. Has this well known company gone rogue or is it just the reality of life returning back to normal with no enforced rules in place anymore?

I see masks worn pretty religiously in health care centres and supermarkets. I still wear my mask when I pop into a shop. I don’t see a single mask anymore at football matches on the concourse despite overcrowding and a general lack of hand hygiene. I can’t remember the last time I saw a face covering in a pub.

I used to overthink things about face coverings and social distancing. I say ‘overthink’ but I guess I was just keen to protect myself and others. Now I feel as if my guard is dropping and I’m not as thoughtful about my decision making on avoiding other humans. Is that a good thing? Should society still be carrying caution? Winter is coming and traditionally more people are unwell so should we not be raising our game not just against Covid but the other viruses which will be prevalent?

Or do we put faith in our immune system and vaccinations?

It’s probably the most I’ve thought about it in a while as I wrote today. I doubt I would have even shared this if I wasn’t sitting bored in a car dealership. I’m half expecting the mechanic to come back say the damaged heat shield isn’t covered by the warranty. They’ll swerve the responsibility I’m sure. Just like they have on the Covid front seemingly.