As a result of months of social distancing and shelter-in-place measures, all Americans have experienced at least some level of restricted freedom. With all this extra time at home, the pandemic has forced many to reflect on the things they cherish most (and, perhaps, have taken for granted).
The June 2020 reader poll asked folks to consider the activities they’ve missed most with the restrictions in place. And, now that many states are starting to reopen, what activities have they been able to resume (as of June 15)? Scroll down for the complete list of options.
The survey contained 13 options for each question. They included the following: (1) being with friends and/or family, (2) restaurants, bars and/or cafes, (3) air travel, (4) exercising (in a gym, studio or health club), (5) live sporting events, (6) professional haircuts, (7) working with colleagues in-person, (8) movies and/or live shows, (9) sending kid(s) to childcare, camp or school, (10) the beach, park or other public “fun spots,” (11) in-person shopping (i.e., the mall or local retailers), (12) religious services, and (13) other or none.
Thank to all who participated. To participate in next month’s survey, and to get access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s the bestselling author of “Mistreated: Why We Think We’re Getting Good Health Care–And Why We’re Usually Wrong” and a Stanford University professor. Follow him on Twitter @RobertPearlMD.
I miss feeling relatively safe and free from serious contagion when I venture out. Consciously and unconsciously the anxiety adds to fatigue and less motivation to be active.
I am a runner. During the quarantine/shelter in place, 17 events that I was scheduled to participate in during the quarantine, and some scheduled for the remainder of the year have all been canceled.
That is what I miss most. My half marathon and full marathon runs. Sure they do some virtually , but I have enough bibs and medals and shirts that I do not want to buy them to say I did an event virtually.
Sadly, half marathon and full marathon events will not resume, the way they were, anytime soon.
I/we haven’t resumed any of these activities, and don’t plan to do so for some unforeseeable time, possibly even until an effective treatment or vaccine becomes available. We’ve accommodated well to the level of isolation required to remain ‘safe’, and see no reason to diminish our vigilance until there is a credible decrease in risk.
I live in a senior facility and have not resumed any previous activity.