How will 'new normal' affect Harrogate people's daily lives

Catherine Maguire, ex-teacher, Kingsley Drive, Harrogate

“Despite the new Government guidance on meeting a friend/or family member in the open, it’s still going to be hard to meet up despite the change in Government guidance.

“Sadly my mum and dad are both shielding in Wakefield, so we can’t see them anyway, and most of my friends have children so it’s hard to meet up with just one person.

“In terms of going to work, myself and my husband and the three children, have been at home together since Wednesday, March 18.

“Since the Prime Minister announced that those, who cannot work from home can return to work, my husband is waiting to return to his job in construction as he is currently being furloughed.

“I’m really apprehensive about his return as you hear stories that some sites have no hand washing facilities and social distancing is difficult.

“Because of the new Government guidance, we’ve already increased our walks and bike rides to twice a day which really boosts our physical and mental well being.

“We will continue to make only essential trips out including a fortnightly trip to the supermarket, pet food supplies. I feel safer buying stuff online.

“As for some primary school years returning, I think it’s ill thought out.

“There is no scientific evidence to suggest that its safe for children or staff.

“I was a teacher myself, and would be really scared about going back.

“Also, my youngest has a physical disability, meaning he has an EHCP, and 1:1 care, which means that social distancing would be impossible.

“With his underlying health condition I am seriously considering keeping my youngest off school until September.”

Anna Woollven, St Ronan’s Road, Harrogate

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with a friend to go dog walking.

“But I still won’t be able to see my closest family as they live too far away.

“I won’t be changing my work routine as I’m able to do my job from home.

“For now, I’ll be communicating with colleagues via Zoom and email until we can return to the office.

“But I will be taking the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors more and to exercise. I’m planning to stay local though.

“As for shopping, I’ll be sticking to just going out for essentials for the time being.

“If I need anything else, I’ll be buying it online.

“Lots of things need to be in place before reopening schools can work effectively.

“There’s no doubt that school is the best place for our children but I think the process of returning them is like trying to piece a complicated jigsaw together.”

Helen Flynn, executive co-chair at Nidderdale Plus Community Hub

”I am looking forward to meeting two my oldest friends, individually, in the next couple of weeks. There is nothing like meeting someone in person—even though Zoom is great!

“Because we are key workers I have been coming into work most days to deal with a huge range of issues to get items delivered out into the communities we serve.

“That won’t change

“But I will be increasing the length of my weekend nordic walk, but still intend to walk locally. The countryside in Nidderdale is difficult to beat, so I feel no need to go further afield.

“Maybe when all shops are open I would consider shopping again, but I am happy to stay local for food.

“ I think reopening some schools is a good idea. I am concerned about children missing education, especially disadvantaged children who will fall behind their peers.

“As long as there are significant risk assessments and safety measures in place, I think it is the right thing to do.”

Warning as Harrogate's shops get ready to reopen

Coun Richard Cooper, Harrogate Borough Council leader

“I will still be trying to stay in as much as possible because that means transmission of COVID-19 is at its least likely.

“The further the reproduction rate – the R – is below one the better so while it is nice to have the option until I have to take it up for my physical and mental wellbeing I will try not to.

“For the time being I don’t think I will be going out more. I have a calf injury which I am having a lot of difficulty getting rid of so running or walking long distances isn’t an option anyway.

“I have been working from home now since before lockdown and that isn’t going to change for a while yet as I don’t have to be sitting in an office to do my job.

“Living very close to Harrogate town centre I am looking forward to the shops and cafes opening more.

“I am pleased too that the County Council has put cones down to effectively widen the footpaths in some areas.

“We have an opportunity to make the area – even if temporarily – more pedestrian-friendly and cycle-friendly and I think we should take that opportunity.

“Irrespective of COVID-19 - it is time that people and the environment wherever possible have priority in our town centres – not cars.

“In terms of schools going back, Government guidance is based on advice from top clinical experts.

“If the top clinical experts say that schools can return without pushing up transmission rates and operate with little risk then I think that advice should be taken seriously and treated absolutely non-politically.”

Lisa Riley, Woodlands, Harrogate

“My daughters are very much looking forward to a meet up and chat with a friend. My step son can think of nothing better than kicking a ball with a pal.

“I will feel more confident leaving the house. I think our daily exercise will last longer and be a more relaxed event.

“Thanks to the change in Government guidance, I am able to return to work following the guidelines.

“But I am very curious to how work life pans out over the coming weeks for everyone!

“But I think I will continue to shop infrequently. I much prefer using smaller, local shops.

“Having a child in year 6, I am keen for their return to finish their primary schooling.

“I do think at this age they can follow safety measure pretty well too.

“I’m not as convinced for the younger years.”

Kate Rogata, director of Supporting Older People charity, Harrogate

“It’s lovely to be able to have a socially distanced walk with a friend who I’ve not seen for ages or just a catch up in the garden. It feels as if we’re starting slowly to get return to normal.

“In terms of my role as director of Supporting Older People, the changes in guidance on going to work won’t effect us at the moment.

“At Supporting Older People, we have worked from home providing telephone befriending, shopping and free food deliveries for older and vulnerable people who are self isolating for over eight weeks.

“We will continue to do this for the foreseeable future.

“But I will certainly exercise more.

“Going for walks with friends and possibly meet one person for a socially distanced chat but think it is too early to make major changes.

“I don’t think I will start going to shops more yet.

“The idea of some primary school years returning feels too early to me - and I don’t think the guidance is clear.”

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