Being in a lockdown can get old pretty fast even nowadays when there are many options for entertainment.
Binge-watching Netflix over the weekend is one thing but watching it every day for the next two weeks or more can become an ordeal.
But in the United Kingdom, a country now also under lockdown, the residents of one nursing home thought up a creative way to pass the time, namely, by playing a life-sized version of an old classic children’s game: “Hungry Hungry Hippos.”
The care center went on Facebook to share just how much fun the residents were having, writing: “Residents really enjoyed playing a new game today Hungry Hippos. Lots of laughter to lift the morale of the team and residents!”
They also shared a clip of the heartwarming moment where the players on wheelchairs were arranged in a circle as several colored balls sat in the center. Each person had a can that had a basket attached to the end. This is meant to capture the colored balls similar to what is done in the board game version.
The started when someone shouted “Go!” off-camera. With workers pushing the residents’ wheelchairs, each player tried to use their basket to grab as many balls as possible, generating laughter from everyone present.
On March 23, Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the country will be upping restrictions in the hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Over the last few weeks we have asked everyone in Wales to make changes to the way we live our lives,” Drakeford said in a statement. “We have asked you to stay at home, we have asked you to work from home if you can and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.”
“From now on, all high street shops will be closed except those selling food, pharmacies, banks, and post offices,” he said. “Local NHS services, including your GP, will continue to be open.”
“But all social events, including weddings, baptisms, and other ceremonies, as well as gatherings of more than two people in public should not take place,” he continued. “Funerals will continue to be held, but only with close family present.”
“We are asking everyone to stay at home,” Drakeford said and urged citizens to only leave once a day “for basic food if you have to and to exercise close to home.”
Drakeford also encouraged people to work from home if they could.
“Now, these are really big changes for all of us,” Drakeford continued. “We are making them because of the speed the virus is continuing to spread. Please help us to protect you and to save lives. Together, we can do this.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson followed up with a similar order, advising citizens to stay home.
“From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction — you must stay at home,” Johnson said, per CNN. “Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.”
In the United States, stay at home orders have also been issued, limiting excursions outside only for work, medical services, buying necessities, and exercise.
Replaced!