How the hell is it Day 18 already? Time is moving both so very slowly and so very quickly. Perhaps Groundhog Day on slow-mo and then on speed?
I’m feeling pretty good right now. First thing this morning I heard a mum across the road explaining to her toddler daughter repeatedly, ‘No, shoes are not for eating.’ I then got quite a bit of work done, polished off an article for a company I do some work with, and worked on a grant proposal. Yes, I know it’s Good Friday. Working today is more a function of being self-employed than being a result of living in lockdown.
As per my usual routine, I headed to Dulwich Park. I got as far as the gate and then did a sharp turn right rather than going in. There were quite a few small kids on bikes. While I love the park, I’m trying to get the balance right between being in green space while managing this under the skin anxiety about being around others. I can feel it in my shoulders and the fact that my skin is doing weird things – dry patches in random places, not something I’ve had before.
I’m pleased to say for all the footpaths I walked on, for all the roads I jumped onto to ensure appropriately social distancing, there was noone I got grumpy with for them being too close. And all the runners I came across did a great job. I even got a ‘thanks’ from one because I moved onto the road meaning he could keep running straight.
The weather is glorious. It was tough coming indoors again after an hour’s walk. Even though I was walking down streets, along various footpaths, I so wanted to keep going. But I didn’t.
The numbers are a good reminder of why I didn’t stay out longer, and why I won’t till the worst of this is over. Another 980 deaths reported between 9am yesterday and 9am today. This is not good. It won’t include figures of quite a few deaths, those in care homes or at home. We’ve outdone Italy when they hit their peak. I don’t mean to sound facetious. This is certainly not a high scoring competition that anyone wants to win. I have friends in Italy, including a dear friend who has elderly parents in Rome. They have been in lockdown for what seems like forever. We have a couple more million people in the UK but we haven’t reached the peak yet.
Testing is ramping up, though still a long way to go and don’t know why it’s taken so long, a high of 19k+ tests results reported over a 24 hour period.
On the plus side, tests are finally being made available to those working in social care and health with a big increase in drive through testing facilities. Boris Johnson, the UK’s Prime Minister, has been moved out of intensive care and seems to be on the mend.
I only managed to watch about 10 minutes of today’s briefing. I can only cope with so much.
So that’s it for Day 18. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!
I was working today, too, if that helps! Typing madly all day so at least I get the weekend off!
Being self-employed, I don’t mind so much. My main focus is getting some semblance of an income. But I’m not complaining, give the nature of the work I do, I’m in a better place than many.
And thanks Liz, have a lovely weekend!