Risk tolerance (222/365)

[white_hart]

I had an email recently from an academic who said how nice it was to be able to do the things that they hadn't been able to for ages - theatres! bookshops! pub lunches! - which left me thinking how nice it would be to do those things, but I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable going to a theatre at the moment, or anywhere where I would be spending more than a few minutes indoors with people I don't know. I am OK with going into shops, and have considered going to a bookshop, but given how high case numbers have been it felt a bit frivolous when I don't actually need any more books*, and might well not actually buy anything.

I know that I am pretty risk-averse, and it's also been long enough that I've almost forgotten what it was like to do those things; doing them now would feel strange and new, which would require more impetus than I can muster up in the face of ongoing pandemic "is it actually safe to do this?" anxiety. I do wonder whether I am being excessively risk-averse, though I don't get the sense that many of my friends are doing much more than I am.

Anyway, this is really just a preamble to a poll!

Poll #26014

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 64

View Respondents

I live in the UK, and I would currently:

View Answers

use public transport to commute
18 (37.5%)

use public transport for leisure purposes
21 (43.8%)

have a drink at a pub or cafe - indoors
17 (35.4%)

have a drink at a pub or cafe - outdoors
39 (81.2%)

have a meal at a pub, cafe or restaurant - indoors
20 (41.7%)

have a meal at a pub, cafe or restaurant - outdoors
36 (75.0%)

go to a shop for essential purchases (however you define essential)
45 (93.8%)

go to a shop for non-essential purchases/to browse
24 (50.0%)

go to the theatre
8 (16.7%)

go to the cinema
7 (14.6%)

meet friends in an outdoor public place
44 (91.7%)

meet friends in a garden
46 (95.8%)

meet friends in your or their house
35 (72.9%)

I wouldn't do any of these things
1 (2.1%)

I live outside the UK, and I would currently:

View Answers

use public transport to commute
8 (50.0%)

use public transport for leisure purposes
6 (37.5%)

have a drink at a pub or cafe - indoors
1 (6.2%)

have a drink at a pub or cafe - outdoors
9 (56.2%)

have a meal at a pub, cafe or restaurant - indoors
1 (6.2%)

have a meal at a pub, cafe or restaurant - outdoors
8 (50.0%)

go to a shop for essential purchases (however you define essential)
15 (93.8%)

go to a shop for non-essential purchases/to browse
5 (31.2%)

go to the theatre
0 (0.0%)

go to the cinema
2 (12.5%)

meet friends in an outdoor public place
13 (81.2%)

meet friends in a garden
13 (81.2%)

meet friends in your or their house
9 (56.2%)

I wouldn't do any of these things
1 (6.2%)

*at the moment my kindle TBR pile appears to be going through a significant growth phase

Comments

[honigfrosch]

Addendum/Caveat that my answers (especially about eating/drinking inside a restaurant) are dependent on some factors not mentioned: a) how crowded or cramped is it? and b) are there precautions in place, e.g. people are wearing masks? For example, I recently invited my stepdad for lunch and we had greek food at a restaurant, but a lot of the tables were empty. People had to wear masks when not eating at their table. If it were at a crowded pub with mask-less individuals, I wouldn't feel comfortable. I might dive in real quick for my order, but I wouldn't consume anything inside.

Similarly, I've been to the cinema but they were quite strict (which I understand, and find justified). When booking a seat, the seat next to yours is automatically blocked. At the entrance, you have to provide a document showing that you recently (48 hours max) got tested negative, and it's not enough to use one of those quick self tests, it needs to be an antigen test. You also have to wear a mask until you are in your seat.

Public transport also requires wearing a surgical or FFP2 mask, and not using one can result in a fine. (I say "can" because often there aren't any authorities around to enforce it.)

Tl;dr the relatively strict precautions in Germany make it easier for me to be out and about in public spaces, even though I still have a psychological aversion to crowds or physical closeness.

[white_hart]

Yes, I'm actually more reluctant to do things now restrictions have been relaxed (almost completely removed) here than I was a few weeks ago!