Looming end of lockdown sparks stress and anxiety for vulnerable people in South Yorkshire
Not everyone's looking forward to restrictions being scrapped on 19th July
As South Yorkshire prepares for life without restrictions, we're hearing the anxiety over Covid won't go away for vulnerable people.
Those who've shielded during the pandemic are being advised to take extra precautions from the 19th including friends taking a test before visiting.
It comes as stats show more than half of us feel more vulnerable now because of Covid.
Martin Parr from Yorkshire spent most of last year shielding and even spent time in hospital last November with Covid:
"It's always in the back of your mind - what if I came into contact with somebody, what if I actually caught Covid again? And knowing what it's like and what I went through it's always in the back of your mind. It can be quite scary.
"If I feel uncomfortable then I will wear a mask. If it's too busy maybe I'll try to book it when it's less busy. I'll look at the situations or myself and see what I feel comfortable with."
Those who are uncomfortable with the lifting of restrictions are being urged to reach out for mental health support if they need it.
Sheffield Mind tells us it's already had people coming forward to help because of they're worried about so-called Freedom Day.
Chief Exec Maragret Lewis says it'll be hard for a lot of people:
"We've been speaking to some people who are feeling stressed about the prospect of perhaps having their personal space invaded a little bit, people who are anxious about the possibility of catching Covid, people who felt that lockdown was keeping them safe and that safety's now being taken away from them.
"Just give yourself time to adjust - don't be too hard on yourself. There are people who are saying 'I still want to wear a mask'...wear a mask. Go with what's comfortable for you.
"Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. That might be a GP, it might be a friend or a relative, or even a phone line - Sheffield Mind's listening Line provides a weekly call for people who are anxious or isolated because of the pandemic."
Margaret tells us everyone can play their part in helping make life easier for those people who are worried about restrictions lifting:
"Just remember that nobody's used to being hugged any more and being touched - even a handshake isn't normal to us. So just bear that in mind, that not everybody will welcome that sort of physical contact."