It’s taken 85 days but today is the day I’m really bored with lockdown. I’m not bored as such. I have plenty to do. But bored with the horror show that is the news. Bored of one announcement after another. Bored with how this is all playing out in the UK, and specifically England.
Of the announcements today, government has reversed its decision to not provide food vouchers for children over the summer holidays. While they wouldn’t be provided for in ‘normal’ times, there is nothing normal about these times. So, with thanks to a campaign led by a footballer, Marcus Rashford, which got huge public support, food vouchers will be made available over the summer school holidays.
The government departments of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department for International Development, are to be merged. Yep, great timing with being in the midst of a global pandemic and with Brexit happening with no clear agreements on many issues thus far…
The challenge will be – will there be a day during lockdown when I don’t sit here thinking ‘What the…?’ I’m bored with sitting here being shocked/horrified/dismayed by the latest series of mistakes, delays, promises that aren’t met.
Public Health England has today published its report on Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups. It touches on how structural racism has a role to play in the disproportionate impact of Covid on BAME communities. Let’s hope that there’s some concerted efforts in response to the report to minimise the risk of this virus.
Another 233 deaths bringing the total to 41,969. However, excess deaths are running at about 64,500 according to the Office of National Statistics.
I’m not watching the weekday briefing today. It’s too nice outside, I’m about to have a lovely phone call catch up with a friend, it’s been quite a long day. On the plus side I haven’t had any pain in my lower back. Though my floors will have to wait a few more days. But it’s good to be pain free!
So that’s it for Day 85. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!
Great news about your back pain receding! And yes, I’m switching off from it now though I probably will break some rule I didn’t know about!
Cheers Liz, and yep, the rules seem to change day to day!