But let’s do it with a smile on our faces by looking back at these retro photos from the Shields Gazette archives.
They are all reminders of fun times we have had in the past – and fun times we will enjoy once again as soon as life gets back to normal.
So join us on a journey back to these memories of summer parties, fun days, bug hunts and much more.
Let’s beat the pandemic with a smile on our faces.
1. Magical times in Mowbray Park
Mowbray Park was the venue for the 2014 Change 4 Life signing up session with lots of fun activities for children. Two-year-old twins Joe and Alex Dunbar, are pictured with Help Improvement Practitioner Laura Cassidy. They were joined by Leon Aiken-Saville and Lacey Donaldson. Photo: Picture by David Allan
2. Ready for the stage in 2003
Kayleigh Charlton and Laura Middleton, both 10, were pictured as Lily the Leopard and the Unicorn for their Washington Arts Centre summer school play. Were you there in 2003? Photo: PB
3. Going American in 2013
Children taking part in the American Summer Camp at New Seaham Academy seven years ago. Pictured left to right are Ellie Stoker, Luke Grayson, Jacob Noonan and Emily Beston. Photo: Picture Corrina Atkinson.
4. Making music in Mowbray Park
Laura Cusack and Jessica Littlefair, 11, had just taken part in the Holley Park production of Worms before having their photo taken in Mowbray Park in 2003. Photo: PB