Life has been 'very tough' for blind and partially sighted people in Norfolk during pandemic
The RNIB has been looking back at the last year
Last updated 23rd Mar 2021
Life has been 'very tough' for blind and partially sighted people in Norfolk through the pandemic - according to the RNIB.
The charity, which offers support to those with sight problems, says things like social distancing and one-way systems make going out almost impossible for some people.
It's been looking back on the last 12 months, with today (Tuesday 23rd March) marking the one-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown.
Michael Wordingham is a policy officer at the RNIB in Norwich - he's also a guide dog user himself.
He says a lot of people have felt excluded:
"A lot of people have felt very isolated, it can be hard to get out anyway if you don't have anyone to help you or guide you, but in a pandemic where there's social distancing and one-way systems in place, it's even harder.
"We've had a few examples of people being shouted at in the street for not adhering to social distancing, and it's made them feel like they can't be part of the community.
"A lot of the things that were put in place by businesses and local authorities to aid with social distancing were visual, whether they were markings on the floor or signs or perspex screens.
"All these things are really challenging for us to navigate."
Michael added many people have praised the support available for blind and partially sighted people at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
He said, with there being less people around and staff greeting patients, many blind and partially sighted people have been made to feel more comfortable when visiting the hospital.
Day of Reflection
A national day of reflection is being used to mark the one-year anniversary of lockdown today.
Since the start of the pandemic, over 126 thousand people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
A minute's silence is being held at noon and then at 8pm tonight people are being asked to stand on their doorstep with candles or torches.