Covid-19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Jo Raphael: Life in lockdown is getting too comfortable

Don't let lockdown start to feel "normal", writes Jo Raphael. Photo / Getty Images

OPINION

It seems symbolic that going down to level 2 almost coincides with spring.

People who have been hunkered down during the last part of winter are now stepping out, blinking in the sun, like newborn lambs.

For me, working from home during lockdown, I felt secure knowing that I was at the safest place I could be.

My daily routine has been stripped right back to: wake, shower, work, eat, sleep, repeat. While this can be monotonous, there's a certain elegant simplicity to it.

There are no appointments to attend, no traffic to contend with, no worries about getting somewhere on time.

This week, I was given the option to either go back to work in the office or stay at home until next week when I felt more comfortable.

I went for option two.

I must admit, I do feel some hesitancy about returning to my workplace, after three weeks cocooned at home.

There are no level 2 restrictions at home.

I don't have to be at least 1m away from the rest of the household, neither do I have to remember to scan in or wear a mask.

These are the things we have to get used to until we can safely move to level 1 again.

This apprehension is not just limited to me. This week we reported that stores in the Bay of Plenty were either seeing people lining up or hesitant to go in due to new restrictions.

Bettie Monroe store owner Helen Fraser felt the rules were preventing the more "apprehensive" customers from entering the Mount Maunganui clothing store.

"All these restrictions are hindering our customers coming through the door. People are a bit apprehensive to go out shopping."

Those who were brave enough to test the new level 2 waters got to indulge in coffees, brunches with friends, non-essential shopping and gym workouts.

These things, I believe, are what people have been desperately missing. And I don't think it will too long before the Covid anxiety some of us are experiencing evaporates.

While we must remain vigilant - especially against this hideous Delta variant - it's important to resume our normal lives as quickly and safely as possible.

I have to remember, it's not normal to feel like I have to cross the street when I see other people coming towards me, it's not normal to keep children at home from school, or adults from their workplaces so I cannot let lockdown get too comfortable.

Let's hope level 1 is here in time to enjoy the rest of what spring has to offer, when I emerge from my cocoon.