‘I’ve taken the day off work to enjoy it’ – How people in Sunderland are feeling as lockdown restrictions ease

People in Sunderland city centre have had their say about lockdown restrictions easing on Monday, March 29 as the “rule of six” returns.
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Today (Monday, March 29) marked the end of the “stay at home” rule as lockdown restrictions in England began to ease further.

It means that people can meet outdoors in up to groups of six or two households as well as taking part in outdoor sports such as football or tennis.

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People in Sunderland city centre having been giving their opinions on what they think about lockdown restrictions easing.

People in Sunderland city centre have been giving their opinions on Covid restrictions relaxing.People in Sunderland city centre have been giving their opinions on Covid restrictions relaxing.
People in Sunderland city centre have been giving their opinions on Covid restrictions relaxing.

Chris Elkins from Hendon commented on how nice it was to see young people out socialising with each other in for the first time in months.

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The 59-year-old IT consultant said: “I think that it’s a good thing, everyone wants something to look forward too and it’s lovely to see groups of teenagers out in Mowbray Park having picnics and seeing each other.

"I’ve felt so sorry for young people and the elderly who are missing out on the social aspects of their lives.”

Bill Douglas felt that restrictions were being relaxed "too early".Bill Douglas felt that restrictions were being relaxed "too early".
Bill Douglas felt that restrictions were being relaxed "too early".
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Secondary school teacher Vicky Foster agreed with lockdown restrictions being eased for the sake of young people.

The 47-year-old added: “It’s a positive as I've seen the effects of lockdown on young people first hand.

"I’ve never seen so many teenagers who are as stressed as I have over the last year or so, the usual pressures of exams have been heightened by the multiple lockdowns and it is great to see them out and about socialising.”

Chris Elkins commented that it was nice to see people socialising in Mowbray Park.Chris Elkins commented that it was nice to see people socialising in Mowbray Park.
Chris Elkins commented that it was nice to see people socialising in Mowbray Park.
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The 42-year-old said: “I know how much work and focus is being put into the data and I feel confident in those figures so it feels great that restrictions are being eased.

"I’ve taken the day off work to be able to enjoy it, I’ve been to my parent’s house and sat in their garden, it was lovely to see them.”

School teacher Rebecca added: “It’s the right time to ease things, I’ve been out of the house and working in a school so I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for everyone stuck at home.

"I have confidence in the data and I’m now looking forward for things to ease further so we can go out for a meal to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday and my son’s 10th birthday."

Secondary school teacher Vicky Foster discussed the impact that lockdown has had on young people, in particular teenagers.Secondary school teacher Vicky Foster discussed the impact that lockdown has had on young people, in particular teenagers.
Secondary school teacher Vicky Foster discussed the impact that lockdown has had on young people, in particular teenagers.
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The 24-year-old machine operator said: “It’s great that we are getting some normality back, I’m looking forward to taking the kids to the soft play, we’ve been on plenty of walks but I’m now wanting them to have different experiences.”

Not everyone felt like it is the right time to lift restrictions, retired Bill Douglas from Town End Farm feels that things are being relaxed a little too soon.

The 72-year-old said: “I think it’s a bit early myself, I think we should have waited a little bit longer as nobody knows what is going to happen, there could still be another lockdown yet.”

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