Name: 'I am at the mercy of fools': Here's how Melbourne is feeling under stage 4, a curfew and a 5km rule - ABC News
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'I am at the mercy of fools': Here's how Melbourne is feeling under stage 4, a curfew and a 5km rule - ABC News

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ShareAs Victoria settles into strict lockdown, many people are struggling with isolation.We asked our readers on Facebook Messenger to tell us how they're feeling.Jules M says worrying is wearing her out:"Not feeling very hopeful or positive. Just feel like I am at the mercy of fools."Charlie F reflects many who say things are not too bad:"Making sure we go for a walk daily or get exercise has been key for us, and since yesterday there seems to be less people out, which is great. Time will tell to see if it makes a difference."Jake Y says things have been tough. He couldn't say one last goodbye to his grandmother before she died in New Zealand, his wedding has been postponed indefinitely, and his income has been severely affected. "As deflating as the latest lockdown is, I'm positive about it being enforced. Living in limbo with the stage 3 lockdowns without seeing results improve has been demoralising, to say the least."Amanda W says being able to exercise for only one hour a day is taking its toll:"Hating the longevity. So depressing. My hope is for it to end [and] my concern is that we will be in lockdown until December." Scott C says it's difficult feeling as though you're a prisoner in your own city: "A curfew is a huge step, as is not being allowed to travel more than 5km from home, and feels very restrictive."Emily J says she wishes a harder lockdown had come sooner:'I almost wish this had happened sooner; the number of people who are ignoring the rules that were already in place has put everyone in danger."Bek B is hopeful and optimistic: "Six weeks of a harsh lockdown, with hopefully very harsh penalties for those that don't comply so that we can get back to some semblance of normal. I want this done."Lauren S says that needs to also target bosses doing the wrong thing:"I want there to be more mandatory regulations and hygiene practices in workplaces, and penalties for bosses who may be forcing a casualised workforce to go to work sick, for fear of their jobs."Linda A thinks we need to stop misinformation:"There should be charges and severe penalties for unqualified individuals and or groups who knowingly push pseudoscience and inaccuracies during this pandemic. Their 'opinions' with no credible research cited, encourage conspiracy thinking, complacency and non-compliance … This is potentially lethal and must stop."Lucas P says stage four restrictions can cause a little anxiety:"First night under curfew wasn't too bad. I haven't been going out at night for a long while anyway, but knowing that you are prevented from doing so certainly causes a little anxiety." Naomi W is hopeful restrictions will work:"[I'm] worried about vulnerable family, especially our elders, those homeless and those with mental illness."If you or anyone you know needs help:Abbey H says not knowing when we can get back to some sort of normal is the hardest part:"Mental health has taken a huge hit even for those of us who managed to keep treading water though the second imposed stage three. Having no one else in this with us across the country or the world makes it so much harder to cope day to day."Milo D says physical limitations can have a mental toll: "I'm feeling extremely uncomfortable. As an individual that led an active lifestyle, this is really affecting my sanity and health."Alex W believes there isn't enough being done to help people in isolation:"I think we need a stronger focus on mental health; it's been overlooked for so long."Maddie O is looking forward to being able to celebrate Christmas:"I'm hoping this time these new rules that the people who were not following them, will, and we can finally get on track to getting this virus controlled and back to a somewhat normal life and be able to celebrate Christmas!"Samantha C has family in northern Italy where there was also a strict lockdown, and says it will be difficult, but not impossible:"They're now enjoying relative freedom and summer holidays, so I am hoping we can get there too." Parviz D says as tough as it is, it's also quite empowering to see that each person can play a role in improving the overall health and well-being of the state: "And if at the end of all this that is what we take away and apply to building a better world, it will have all been worth it."Alyssa H longs to meet up with friends again: "The lockdown does kinda suck, but the things we'd get to do at the end of it make it all worth it." A lot of you had messages for Victorians to stay strong. Val B says thank you: "Thank you to all the Victorians trying so hard right now to bring case numbers down. And best wishes for health and safety to all Victorians."Tony K says we're all in this together:"You are not alone in this struggle. Just unlucky in how the events unfolded. We are all thinking of you and hoping you will return to normal life soon."Sashi K offers some advice to help the time pass:"Play trivia; you can do this with anyone and everyone and great learning on general knowledge for big and little people. Don't think twice about helping or teaching someone even something small. It is the greatest dopamine hit and brilliant for mental health.""Please take care of yourself and each other. We will meet on the other side."3 Aug 20203 Aug 2020Mon 3 Aug 2020 at 9:02pm, 4 Aug 20204 Aug 2020Tue 4 Aug 2020 at 12:29amMore on:

ShareAs Victoria settles into strict lockdown, many people are struggling with isolation.We asked our readers on Facebook Messenger to tell us how they're feeling.Jules M says worrying is wearing her out:"Not feeling very hopeful or positive. Just feel like I am at the mercy of fools."Charlie F reflects many who say things are not too bad:"Making sure we go for a walk daily or get exercise has been key for us, and since yesterday there seems to be less people out, which is great. Time will tell to see if it makes a difference."Jake Y says things have been tough. He couldn't say one last...

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'I am at the mercy of fools': Here's how Melbourne is feeling under stage 4, a curfew and a 5km rule - ABC News

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