Family

published : 2023-10-13

A Family's Lonely Existence in COVID-Driven Isolation

Struggles of a family still 'shielding' after three years of the pandemic

A family of three enjoying a picnic in their backyard, captured with a Nikon D850.

Rob Boxall and his family, living in the U.K., have been enduring a 'lonely existence' as they remain isolated due to COVID health concerns.

The family, including Rob's wife Mandy and their daughter Mollie, have been 'shielding' since March 2020, feeling forgotten as the world moves on.

Visitors must isolate for two weeks before they can meet the family, and despite Mandy having seven COVID jabs, she reportedly has no protection against the virus.

Rob Boxall wearing a mask while talking on the phone, taken with a Canon EOS R5.

The strain of isolation has taken a toll on the family, with Rob losing his job and facing mockery for continuing to wear a mask.

They have had to create their own rules to protect themselves while others have resumed normal life, missing out on precious moments with close family members.

The loneliness and mental health impact of isolation during the pandemic have been highlighted by a recent report.

Mandy Boxall and her daughter Mollie embracing each other, photographed with a Sony A7 III.

However, there is hope for the Boxalls as they plan to undergo antibody tests that could potentially allow them to return to a normal life.