please empty your brain below
I am also in Norfolk, at the extreme edge, having come as permitted (lone person, support bubble) on several occasions in the last few months, mostly by car (rental or borrowed), but one time recently by train (3: a crowded overground, an very well distanced express, and a well distanced local train: the latter two with good air con).

My current attendance is on a rather sombre matter with the extended family joining me by train as a day trip this week. The shame of it all is a housebound grandparent who missed out on 18 months of interacting with a young grandchild.

MilesT | 14.06.21 - 7:22 a.m. | #

I recently had elective surgery meaning I couldn't drive home from the hospital. 3 days before I had a Covid test and had to isolate. I asked how should I arrive at the hospital and was told I could be driven but should sit in the rear nearside seat, car windows open and both driver ands I be masked. You could therefore have effected a degree of pragmatic social distancing from your dad!

J. | 14.06.21 - 7:29 a.m. | #

I very much agree with your last point about freedom day having been and gone. I'm in a privileged position whereby step 4 doesn't really mean too much (I've been going to work throughout, don't have children demanding soft play areas, not planning on holding or attending any weddings, etc.) and I can't help but feel that four weeks isn't long enough and getting more jabs into arms over the extended period of restrictions won't have much effect until August or so on? I can only hope cases start to drop regardless like they did last summer.

Hope you have a great trip!

Gunnersaurus | 14.06.21 - 8:04 a.m. | #

Am also visiting family in Yorkshire for first time since December 2019 - all adults fully vaccinated etc. Train from London to Leeds reduced to 5 carriages from 9, hence regular announcements/apologies - "There is no social distancing on this train". Thanks LNER.

H SE18 | 14.06.21 - 8:18 a.m. | #

Thanks, DG, for the cheerful family news.

Malcolm of Kent | 14.06.21 - 8:20 a.m. | #

You've described well how normal activities still have to be weighed up. However undemonstrative you may both be, DGD is bound to be delighted to see you and enjoy your company. Enjoy.

Frank F | 14.06.21 - 8:57 a.m. | #

Should I feel any sympathy for the vaccination refuseniks if they get sick though. They made their choices and why should the rest of the country be held hostage whilst they sit in ICU waiting for their Darwin Awards?

Andrew Jarman | 14.06.21 - 9:03 a.m. | #

Flying to Scotland and then getting a local train will not be so good for social distancing as an exclusive cabin, but needs must as the Caledonian Sleeper is on strike this week.

timbo | 14.06.21 - 9:24 a.m. | #

Sounds like a lovely, long-overdue visit.

Cornish Cockney | 14.06.21 - 11:00 a.m. | #

I do hope you have a great visit, family is so important.

Michael | 14.06.21 - 11:05 a.m. | #

Am also enjoying meeting up with my family in Wales with my immediate family for the first time since last July.

My post passim prediction of an end to prohibitions in March 2023 is now perhaps even less pessimistic, present and potential problems persisting.

Ken | 14.06.21 - 11:47 a.m. | #

"fixed his email" - some jobs that children do for their parents never change :)

delighted that you've got to see your family again in person

ADS | 14.06.21 - 12:30 p.m. | #

Had to use the tube on Saturday for the first time since forever, and - wow - not even a token attempt at social distancing, and less than half the people around us wearing masks.

Peter | 14.06.21 - 12:56 p.m. | #

Boris as the big con artist was never you going to stick to Freedom Day on the 21st. Basically he just says what he thinks people want to hear and then makes it up as he goes along dragging the country with him.

Tones | 14.06.21 - 2:39 p.m. | #

I was in London last week for the first time in 9 months and what struck me was how social distancing just didnt seem to be a thing anymore. I guess it's harder to in a busy place like central London, but where I'm used to people waiting to give someone more space on, say, narrow stairs, no one seemed to bother. It's been quite odd getting used to social distancing again now I'm back home.

Anders | 14.06.21 - 4:06 p.m. | #

Unless someone close to you is coughing or shouting into your face, outdoor social distancing is, and has been throughout, a wholly irrelevant and unnecessary farce. The risks of outdoor transmission in everyday life are as close to zero as makes no difference. Outdoor swervers and mask/visor wearers who pull self-righteous cats-bum faces when you dare to pass them are among the more annoying aspects of what has now become a national malaise of laziness and/or paranoia.

David | 14.06.21 - 5:24 p.m. | #

Nice you finally managed to see your family again. *thumbs up emoji*

Kevin | 14.06.21 - 5:45 p.m. | #

How lovely that you are able to spend time with your family.

Cornish Monkey | 14.06.21 - 5:46 p.m. | #

I very much hope I *have* pulled a cats-bum face at self-righteous David.

Peter F | 14.06.21 - 5:51 p.m. | #

Lovely tale. Lovely construction weaving it with official advice.
All the best from a NZ reader!
JD

JD | Homepage | 15.06.21 - 1:52 a.m. | #

You’ve hit the nail on the head. “Freedom Day” = date of second jab plus two weeks.

Dan | 15.06.21 - 6:12 a.m. | #











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