Hang in there

Due to the food shortage crisis I decided to go to the supermarket early this morning before I took Xena out for a walk.  As I drove up I was pleased to see people leaving the store with packs of toilet paper under their arm, but when I got into the store there was none left. I have realised that I have to shop every day and see what is available each day. It feels like we are living in war time but without any rations - turn up and see what you can get today! I do blame the supermarkets for not implementing limited quantities a few weeks back – a few did, but Waitrose, Sainsburys and Tesco have only introduced that rule this week. Online delivery is not an option – the Waitrose website can no longer be accessed, Sainsbury’s have no delivery or collection slots for the next few weeks, but I managed to get one collection slot from Tesco for 7 April – in 3 week’s time! Well done to Sainsbury's for introducing a shopping period exclusively for the at risk category of people.

If you are healthy and not vulnerable to Covid-19, it seems the worst problem we are facing is being able to buy food and groceries. Many people have lost holidays and outings, which of course were booked months in advance. (I personally am very disappointed not to be seeing Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House after getting good seats). Many restaurants, all theatres and cinemas and some stores have closed. Thomas received notification today that Cambridge University has now moved to ‘red phase’ and it will be closed until further notice. No exams this year, no more labs, and only some online teaching. And I bet no refund of university fee! Adam’s PhD research is on hold and may have to be extended by 6 months. The economy has been devastated by this, and many small businesses will be forced to close. I feel very sorry for the self employed like dog walkers, who have lost work now that people are working from home, cleaners, who won’t get paid if people do not want them in their homes, anyone in the service industry relying on being paid for their services. They won’t be getting any government grants so how do they survive?

Do have a look at this Ted Talk. It seems Boris was spot on when he initially wanted herd immunity to apply, but political pressure and other reasons made him do a U turn to rather institute social distancing. It seems once we get through this crisis, we are not in the clear as having no immunity means when another Coronavirus returns – and it will – we could be harder hit. Personally I think that the over 70’s and vulnerable (meaning those with diabetes, pregnant women, lung diseases etc) should be doing social distancing but other healthy people should be mixing freely so as to get the infection, as the symptoms are so mild, and in this way we can build up an immunity. I would prefer to get the virus now when I am healthy and not at risk rather than face it again in the future when I am older and possibly not as healthy.

Social distancing is all very well and good but the moment we go out to buy food at the supermarket I think those germs are everywhere, and unless you are OCD you will never successfully remove the virus from everything. Think about what you touch on a trip to the supermarket – the shopping trolley, your bank card, the card reader, your phone, your glasses, the car steering wheel, …and as the virus can survive for up to 48 hours or longer on some surfaces it probably is everywhere by now.

I have just heard that London is probably going to be in lockdown Milan-style by end of the week so Luke will come home and Gavin will no longer be able to go to work. In the meantime, enjoy those walks in the fresh air - dog walking has never been so popular as now!