This morning I stepped out of isolation for the first time in eight days.

It was glorious. I walked for the full hour of my allocated time, maintaining my distance from others, glad to feel pavement under my feet rather than carpet, and sun on my face.

I even allowed myself the rare treat of leaving my phone on my desk

I came back to a heated discussion on WhatsApp about garden centres.

The messaging service WhatsApp is how parliament runs behind the scenes - group after group filled with MPs promoting ideas, asking questions, and seeking support.

These groups are normally busy, but recently they've become unmanageable.

It's not unusual to put your phone down for a few minutes and come back to over 100 new messages. This is maddening, but also hugely useful.

Right now, it's how we're getting things done - flagging local issues with Ministers direct so that changes can be made to policy. A fast moving situation requires a platform like that.

The debate on garden centres is over whether they should be open.

Gardening keeps people at home and gives them purpose during a lock-down.

Garden centres don't.

There is also the issue of plants being allowed to die if there is not a mechanism for their sale and distribution.

The back and forth continued until one of my colleagues - a former medic now back on the front lines in their constituency - chipped in with a her own experience.

She was currently caring for a 45 year old who had been in isolation for two weeks, nipped to the shops once during that time for milk, and was now on a ventilator.

And suddenly, like that, it's all brought home to you.

This is why social isolation is so important.

The virus could be on door handles, bottles of milk.

Going out introduces risk, and for many people that risk can cause serious medical issues.

So, I implore you once again.

Stay safe, wash your hands, only step out if you must, and maintain your distance. Doing so will save lives.

And if you're in need of any help there is a local emergency helpline, run by Cumbria County Council, where you can seek help if you need it.