On another recent occasion, when I met a friend after seven months of not doing so, there was an initial hesitation by both of us as to how we should greet each other. Was it an elbow nudge, pumped fist or a handshake? He offered his hand and we both grinned and shook hands, commenting that we hadn’t wanted to put the other in an awkward position. It seems polite to offer the hand, but to be prepared if it’s not accepted; very different from a couple of years ago, when refusing a handshake would be considered rude. I’ve even had a couple of hugs from women who I hadn’t seen for a while. Things are definitely looking up!
The sooner we see Covid as an infection under control and one that we will need to live with, the better, although there’s a long way to go before people are relaxed enough not to fear infection. We’ve been reading and watching fear-fuelled news by politicians and the press for so long that it’s difficult to accept that the risk of serious illness from Covid has radically reduced. But that’s how it is. Yes, many people have unfortunately died from Covid and it has caused severe illness, but there comes a time when we must move on.
There’s an inherent risk to just living and we make daily decisions that affect our wellbeing. That was tragically and ironically shown by the story of a woman who was vulnerable to infection and had been shielding for nine months. On the first day that she went out, she was killed by a reversing lorry. We need to put risks into perspective. It may be advisable for vulnerable people to be wary of mixing in crowds, but the majority of healthy people, particularly after having two vaccinations, are prepared to move towards a life they knew before. Indeed, some young feel that they are safer not being vaccinated at all and still want freedom.
Whilst respecting those who worry about their country opening up, and I would certainly give them space and respect their concern, I’m prepared to get on with my life and not regret the outcome. Isolation or quarantine is excessive, especially in areas where a majority has been vaccinated. As for those who have chosen not to be vaccinated, well, that’s their choice. If they’re infected and suffer, no one else is to blame. We can’t close the country indefinitely for them.
Countries cannot afford to continue with restrictions, so will need to open up sometime and their citizens must accept that. There may not be an ideal time, but, as Sajid Javid the British Health Secretary says, 'If not now, when?‘ Certainly, for me, seeing smiles and shaking hands is beneficial for my mental health, making me more relaxed and very pleased that we can behave as we did before the draconian restrictions began.