London – Day 68 of lockdown

My discovery of the day is yes, alpacas can be cat like. I wanted to jump over the fence in the Horniman Museum gardens and give him or her a lovely belly rub. I didn’t.

But my days in whatever stage of lockdown we’re now in continue with me being befuddled. From what I’m seeing, and what I’m hearing from others, it seems many have forgotten about lockdown, about social distancing.

An increasing number of SAGE members are nervous. SAGE is the government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies. One member has gone as far as saying that politicians are not taking their responsibilities seriously. This is not about the ways in which lockdown is being eased, but the timing. Eight thousand new cases a day means it will be easy to tip into danger territory and the health and care system again becomes overwhelmed. But this won’t only be about people with Covid-19. This will have a direct impact on those with ongoing health issues, those waiting for operations that have been postponed and so on.

In England, the rules have relaxed. We can now meet in groups of 6, while maintaining social distancing between different households. Trains to Bournemouth have been thrown into chaos with too many trying to catch them. And there are some really basic issues not yet addressed. Yes, in England we can travel as far as we want. There are no public toilets. While this has been raised by disability groups, which is right, it affects us all.

And this is how the conversation goes with folks who may soon be able to meet parents they haven’t seen for months due to lockdown.

Me: So could you meet them halfway and chat at a distance?

Friend: That’s a great idea.

Me: It’ll be a 2 hour drive for you and for them. You might want to find somewhere private just in case..

Friend: Bugger, and yep, not sure what to do about that.

Yes, public toilets are a necessity.

I suspect, given the glorious weather continues, that there will be BBQs, parties and picnics across the country.

And on Monday, as announced today, competitive sport can start again behind closed doors. Premier Football is to be free on the BBC. Perhaps I’m a bit of a cynic but the timing, while the Cummings issue rumbles on, is interesting.

Another 215 deaths, the total now at 38,376. This of course doesn’t include the numbers where Covid-19 is suspected without confirmation.

But for me at least it’s been a good day. Chats with a friend in person, chats with folks in Australia, sunshine, walks, and a lovely afternoon nap.

So that’s it for Day 68. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!