Following yesterday’s post, at 7.59pm, I opened my window and started hearing claps and cheers from a few streets away. The sound swelled. At 8pm, folks on my street joined in, some stepped outside, others clapped and cheered from their windows. All I could hear were people clapping. I clapped ferociously for a couple of minutes. My hands were numb for half an hour. The great #NHSapplause, to show appreciation for all those working in the NHS, putting themselves at very real risk to help the UK population.
So yes, yesterday was a deeply peculiar day – mourning the loss of a friend whose funeral I couldn’t attend, followed by a nationwide thank you to the NHS.
This shit is weird. Being in lockdown is weird. I keep forgetting what day it is. There are none of the usual markers – of hearing my neighbours come home from the office, the sound of traffic, the sound of planes overhead.
I haven’t felt the need to cry today. Perhaps it’s because I’ve reduced my exposure to the news and social media.
I’ve been a little behind on the news, that the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and the Chief Medical Officer, are now all self-isolating due to having tested positive for this bloody virus. I had a few dealings with CMO in my final role, a few years ago now, in the Department of Health (he had a different post then). He’s someone I have a huge amount of respect for, professionally and he’s just a really decent person. No matter my political views, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
An odd odd day.
And my usual walk around the park? It was a little busier today. Fencing was being put up around the outdoor gym. Standalone exercise equipment is taped up with stickers reading ‘Due to COVID-19…To help keep you and others safe, this area of the park is closed.’
Doing yet another loop, I ran into someone I know who was out walking with her daughter and their dog. We had a good chat. And I still have to comment on social distancing in chats, as it’s still bloody weird. I asked before I patted the dog. Even though I’ve patted this dog before, it feels like everything has to be negotiated, checked.
At some point this might start feeling normal. I’m not there yet.
And tonight, I’ll keep checking the news and Twitter, have a glass of wine (or two), watch something that requires no concentration, and chill.
And tomorrow I’ll wake up, wanting to go for multiple random walks, and then realise I can’t. Well, I could, but if we all did, we’re screwed. For once in my life, I’ll do what I’m told.
So that’s it for Day 4. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!