RETIREE Jeff Grieve considers himself lucky to have a good pocket of neighbours who have looked out for each other through the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes safely distanced chats in the front yard.
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Mr Grieve said the new single-person bubble to be introduced by the government, from next Monday, would be great to help loneliness, especially people who were unable to get out of the house much and felt particularly isolated.
The bubble will allow single people living alone and single-parent households to nominate another person who can visit their home in what Premier Daniel Andrews said was a response to feedback on loneliness and isolation.
Sport had been a big factor for Mr Grieve in his post-work life and he has sorely missed a chance to socialise and compete at his bowls club. His active lifestyle was limited in restrictions.
Puppy Joey has been a big help for Mr Grieve. Joey moved in six weeks ago, via a friend's sister who had a litter.
"He's a bit of company and a reason to get out of bed every morning," Mr Grieve said. "He wants his breakfast 7am every morning and we go for walks twice a day now. I forgot how much work is involved but he's getting more independent now."
Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton said the new approach to restrictions were "not easy" on mental health in what was still a long road ahead. He said the state had little choice.
"Equally, what's the alternative? We have done this modelling to understand what it would mean to lift at an earlier point in time, to lift at different numbers, and going into another lockdown, I think, would be even more devastating for a mental health point of view," Professor Sutton said.
The bubble will largely work on an honesty basis.
"The fact people living alone and single parents are calling for these changes is an indication they've been staying at home regardless of difficult circumstances," he said.
"People are doing the right thing because they know it makes a difference."
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