How Quickly We Can Adapt…

Back in February, before we knew enough about this crazy virus (C-19), I recall reading a news article online about a local shop keeper that had refused to serve a customer who was wearing a face mask and demanded that he ‘stand back’.

At the time, I read with interest not only to see what had happened, but also to understand why this gentleman was even wearing a face mask.

It turns out that the guy in question had recently returned from South-East Asia.  He said that he wore the mask to protect, not only himself, but others.  Also, he was protecting himself from pollution.

He was surprised with the reaction, but also, concerned that we were so naive.  He talked about the journey he had taken and that on his travels, he had seen many other people in face masks, even in the UK.

I read the comments that followed the article and as per usual there were many negative comments from locals.  I understand that people were not well educated on the subject at the time, just like myself and that maybe, there was some fear of the unknown.  But, we had made a headlining news story about an individual, simply because of his choice in wearing protective clothing.

As I type this today, 11^th May 2020, just a few months later, that ‘headline’ has now become the norm.

It is not unusual to see women, men and even children, in protective clothing every single day.  In fact, my children now look for the more exciting face masks as we are on our daily walks.  Just last week, my son, Diego, pointed to a gentleman walking.  He was thrilled to see the camouflage face mask this guy had chosen.

Many workers, including my husband, wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) daily now, as part of their new normal.  Because that is exactly what this is, our new normal.  Groceries, online orders, and takeaways are all now being delivered by people in PPE.  Quite rightly, too.

At work, we are encouraging employees to accept the ‘new normal’.  We all must change the way we work and the way that we live in order to stay safe and protect others .  It has been around 7 weeks since lock-down measures began in the UK.  Yet, I feel it has been this way for so much longer.

My children have adapted so well, for which I am blessed.  Adapting, for us and many, has been easier than expected.

I think that the hard part now, will be coming out of this all.  We will have mixed emotions and will face lots of uncertainty.  But if we have got this far, we can do anything!

Stay safe

Sharleen x