Much of my day has been taken up by following the news. And the news rumbles on.
Media and social media has focused on one issue – Dominic Cummings, special advisor to the Prime Minister. It follows revelations that while his wife was ill and he was symptomatic with Covid-19, he drove 260 miles to County Durham to stay at his parents’ property [yesterday’s post here].
Cabinet Ministers spent much of last night defending Cummings and his right to protect his child during lockdown. Once they’d had their say, it was revealed it wasn’t just one trip to County Durham, but two.
His wife has a brother in London.
I’d imagine he could afford to arrange food to be delivered.
But the PM tells us he had no alternative to find appropriate childcare arrangements. ‘He has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity.’ I feel the Prime Minister underestimates the level of public rage, and anger from even within his own Party. In response to a question from a reporter about the issue, the PM responds saying ‘severe childcare difficulties that presented themselves….I think that what they did was perfectly understandable…’.
People are writing to their Members of Parliament outlining their sacrifices in abiding by lockdown rules. Being unable to travel to be with ill and dying friends and relatives. Unable to go to loved one’s funerals. Unable to see friends or families for weeks and weeks on end. Unable to see elderly parents and relatives. Unable to see new grandchildren. Too many stories of people losing both parents. Parents ill with Covid-19 remaining isolated while trying to also care for babies, toddlers, children. So many stories.
All in all, 259,559 across the UK have tested positive, another 118 people have died, bringing the total to 36,793. I was speaking to a friend in Australia today. With a population of 25+ million, they’ve recorded just over 100 deaths. The UK has a population of 67.9 million.
Today’s press conference has not gone well for the PM.
Few words. Simmering rage.
So that’s it for Day 62. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!