Delta Lockdown - What's Different
As we are now in our third week of lockdown, there are a number of things that are different this time around in level 4. This one feels nothing like our first go-round in level 4 in 2020 when everything was unknown, things were a little bit chaotic, and it felt like we were all holding our collective breath.
First, the definition of “essential” is much more clear. In lockdown 1.0, essential was only gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Nothing else. Now that definition includes non-cooked food delivery services and businesses like bakeries and butchers that can do contactless delivery. That means everything from Maison Vauron to The Little French Bakery to Well Hung Butchers are options for delivery. This also includes gift baskets. I was lucky enough to receive a birthday gift from some friends from Spoil Me, but I have to scratch my head and wonder if that’s actually essential. (Don’t take this as I’m not appreciative! It was such a lovely surprise to find on my doorstep and made me feel celebrated despite lockdown.)
Essential now also includes school and work supplies, like computers, printer paper, ink, and educational resources. It also includes some things like baby clothes and masks. However, since there is no official list of what’s an essential item, some companies are taking a very loose approach and selling as much as they think they can get away with using contactless delivery - there’s still no click and collect allowed. We’ve used this to upgrade our tech situation for the kids before both my husband and I ended up having an “Office Space” moment with the kids’ old iPads they’ve been using for online school. I was pleasantly surprised that our order was delivered the next day!
Secondly, there is a mask mandate for this lockdown. Previously masks were recommended, not required, when visiting the few open places. Now it is mandatory. Grocery stores are enforcing this and providing masks if you don’t have one. Generally there is excellent compliance. I haven’t seen one unmasked person at the store, though a few people seem to forget that their noses most be covered for the mask to do anything. The guidelines are now to wear a mask anytime you leave your house, but only about 50% are taking this seriously when out for exercise.
Third, there are a lot more cars on the road. Streets were practically deserted in 2020 lockdowns, but this time people have place to go… though where, I’m not sure. This might have something to do with lots of “essential” online orders in the works, but honestly I can’t figure this one out. I go to the grocery store twice a week, but beyond that, we’re home.
Finally, there is a track record of success that gives everyone an extra boost of assurance that lockdown is worth it. The first lockdown was full of unknowns. We didn’t know if a lockdown would work and if we could get back to normal. Now we know it works and are much more relaxed with the whole situation. It doesn’t feel as doom and gloom as it did the first time around. But that doesn’t mean we don’t reserve the right to whine and moan a little bit. Even though most people are cautiously optimistic that lockdown will work again, especially with cases on the decline now, it is still hard to spend this much time at home with limited outside resources available. There’s no Amazon delivery of a trampoline the next day. We more or less have to make do with what we’ve got.
