Day Forty-five; A different pattern

A couple of weeks ago S told me that one of her fellow poets has been out walking, as we are encouraged to do during lockdown, and had noticed that there were different patterns on the cast Iron manhole covers in the paths on which she travelled. I have not seen any in the central area before this one today.

Previously, the ones I had noticed gave the name of the manufacturer, and at most there were some raised shapes to reduce slipping (I guess). This one, though has a pattern to provide the non-slippage surface.

I was able to find a photograph and some details about the company that manufactures this particular one. KORUM refers to the "D400 roadway manhole cover for periodical inspections and heavy traffic". It was in the footpath beside the road, admittedly a very busy street (Great North Road in Grey Lynn).

In the 24 hours to midday today, two new cases of Covid-19 have been notified; one a nurse at the hospital where patients from a West Auckland aged care facility have been nursed, and one a household contact. We knew that this slow extinguishing of the spread from known sources was likely, and it is good that it is staying at such a low rate. So far, there is little evidence of significant community spread. The hints are for a gradual easing of the restrictions on workplaces and the retail sector, and little easing of the ban on large gatherings.