This week started like any week, Covid is still here to stay for now, but it’s easy to go about your week with a few adaptations when out of the house. Just a mask, social distancing and a bit if hand sanitizer. Yet there’s plenty of lapses in shops as time goes on. But instead of letting those shirking the rules worry me, I’m focusing on keeping myself safe by remaining vigilant in what I do and going about my ‘new normal’.

So regardless of the world’s current crisis, I continue with my new routine heading out for a refreshing jog, waking up my body in the rising sun. The autumn season looms bringing dark mornings and cooler, damper weather.  However, the summer sun is rising spotlighting scenery and bringing welcomed heat. Although the blinding light and layer of sweat is less welcome as I head home, I can’t help but bask in the sun’s rays and feel rejuvenated.

The sun continues to shine throughout the week, while coronavirus is staying come rain or shine. This tricky virus is spreading exponentially with a sharp increase in numbers.  Yet, as I go about my daily routine, everything seems normal. Then Wednesday comes with news of tighter restrictions for the North East of England to come into force at the weekend. From then we northerners shouldn’t socialise with people outside of our households or support bubbles in private homes or gardens. Eating out is restricted to table service and pubs, clubs and venues must close by 10pm. With recommendations to not socialise with other people outside of our household or support bubbles in all public venues. Use public transport for essential purposes, take holidays within your household or support bubble and avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events. However, I really have been keeping my circle small and so these regulations won’t affect my current lifestyle much at all.

Yet, as the weekend begins, I can’t help but feel a bit glum at our current predicament. Other areas of the country are following suit as numbers keep rising. Boris is talking about this being the second wave and the need for stricter social distancing to curb the virus. While I feel fortunate to be Covid free thus far, I can’t help but feel helpless, with rising numbers putting strain on a stretched service in its infancy, how will, and how long will it take to come out the other side of this virus?

I really can’t see an end in sight. Yet, I’m not giving in, not going to stop planning for a future. So today, when loved ones talk about cancelling Christmas plans, I look to new traditions and more time in the outdoors.