Its day 12 of the lockdown in England. Friday I think. We clapped for the NHS, keyworkers and carers last night. National applause in the street. I think it'll be a weekly. NHS doctors, nurses and support staff have started to die and its pretty damn heartbreaking to see. I don't have words to describe it.
The numbers of Coronavirus deaths is rising here in England, in the 500's every day now. I just hope it doesn't go any higher. There's a shattered family behind every one. Life will never be the same.
Boris Johnson is still ill with the virus and his juniors give daily TV briefings to the nation. They chatter about testing and PPE but its clear there isn't anywhere near enough of either of them. The first new mega-hospital has been commandeered from a huge London exhibition centre. It'll hold 4,000 virus patients.
Keyworkers continue to keep the country functioning; health workers, care workers, carers at home, council workers, bin men, bus drivers, grocers, uniformed services, charity and food bank workers and supermarket workers. I imagine there are many many more behind the scenes. Heroes all and unlike the rest of us, in harm's way, assembling every day for dangerous work.
Our job is to stay at home and stay safe and sane during this worldwide catastrophe so that when it's over we can re-enter society and join the heroes. Maybe even give them a break.
In the streets emergency shopping seems calmer. There are very few people wearing masks here in West Yorkshire though. Maybe that will come.
Lockdown isn't easy, we're all struggling not seeing anybody and especially not seeing our families, but its a lot easier than working in a hospital so we just need to do it.
I hope you're all coping with lockdown in your part of the world. It could take a while I reckon.
What are you doing to stay sane? Making models? Finding old boxes of toys? Writing? Filling the garden with dinosaurs? What?
Filling the time is not a problem, loads of jobs I've always meant to do on the house, plenty of model projects too, I've got lots that I mean to read and a massive dvd library. It is, nonetheless tough, just knowing the terrible loss every day out there makes it a lot more difficult to 'enjoy' what you are doing. You do also worry about friends too (I don't really have much family left). Most people will survive this but it is not a lottery that I chose to enter. Still, mindless optimism in the face of horror is probably the best approach! On that note, I'll go and do something fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I've never been practical Kev so its a hindrance now, my lack of DIY skills. I'm a good gardener though and we've a big garden! I'm 'restoring' a JR21 TB2 too, donated by a friend. Not sure what to think of my progress yet. Could be Thunderbotch 2! I'll blog it soon.
DeleteI find that making sure we have enough variety of food takes up more time than it did. And actually been sent some work! Apart from that, various interests, having a daily walk and sometimes a late afternoon snooze...
ReplyDeleteI know Andy. Cooking is taking more time than usual for some reason. We have good meals twice a day. Just made home made cauliflower and spud soup with a drop of cream. Delicious with a hot roll. Made enough sunday dinner last night for two days. Second helping tonight. Work! Aaaagh! I've some to do but will put it off till Monday. I like your afternoon snooze. Siesta!
DeleteConsidering that NHS workers are dying, I have to be honest and say that I regard people applauding on their doorsteps as pointless as it is patronising in the extreme. In what way does it supply NHS staff with the much-needed gloves, masks, apparel, and essential equipment to keep themselves and others safe? We clap our hands when performers entertain us, so it seems entirely frivolous to clap for people who are risking their lives on the front line. Instead, show your appreciation by donating to an organisation or charity which supports them. All clapping into empty air does is make people feel virtuous about standing on their doorstep for a few minutes and drawing attention to themselves, rather than NHS workers. Hand-clappers might go indoors feeling pleased with themselves for their show of 'support', but in practical terms it doesn't help NHS (and key) workers in any way at all. When you're on the front line like they are, you're only too well aware of how much the public appreciates you - it's the government - regardless of whether Tory or Labour - that you don't feel appreciated by. I'm sure the motivation for such an empty gesture was well-intentioned, but it leaves me feeling uncomfortable if that's all people think they have to do to show support. Open the door or window and clap into empty air. Yeah, we've done our bit, haven't we?
ReplyDeleteAw Kid, I can't argue about this. I've had a crap day full of sadness. Isolation is causing huge problems for my children an hour away in their house, which I can't do anything about. PS. I love the NHS - they delivered my new Granddaughter last week safe and sound.
DeleteNot looking to argue, Woodsy, and your love of the NHS isn't in doubt. (No one's is.) I just don't think that clapping the air is the most practical or effective way of demonstrating the public's appreciation for workers who risk their lives on our behalf. See the three posts about it on my blog when you feel up to it. And congratulations - grandpa.
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