Sunday, March 29, 2020

Getting used to the new reality

So, after nearly a week of the so called Lockdown Measures the UK is more of less complying but it will be 2-3 weeks before we know the extent of the effect this is having. I am fairly impressed at the moment of the response of the British in general. Supermarkets are limiting people in stores and people in queues outside are keeping to 2m apart. The staff are providing sprays to wipe down trolleys and baskets and in some larger stores there is a routing system to follow once you are indoors.
All of this is SO STRANGE. It’s like waking up in the middle of a nightmare and realising it’s life now and not fiction. All of my colleagues work from home now, I used to work form home 3 days a week, that was too long but the whole time working from home is just bizarre.
I can’t even think about the end of this because there is so much we must all do before we get to the end of it. Only by keeping on acting responsibly like we have been will we beat this horrid disease.
I am VERY GLAD not to be living in America now. Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister has tested positive for the virus and I wish him a speedy recovery. President Trump just this weekend has not signed off quarantine of New York. When challenged about America having now the largest number of infections even after China, he said it was testament to the rapid and large scale testing efforts being extended. Well, its not just about the testing. The reason for not quarantining New York, where the virus seems to be out of control? Economics. I don’t think families of victims who die will appreciate that view at all. It shows a blatant disregard for human life. Did he close stores except for essential supplies? Nope. He allowed gun stores to remain open. This is stupid. People buying guns is not going to help the situation. That’s just common sense I’m afraid, something that President Trump does not have a monopoly on, although he would say he does if you asked him. A reporter asked him a question about scared Americans and instead of answering the question or providing reassurance what did Trump do? He took offence at the reporter asking the question and said to the world that the man was a terrible reporter. This is the way Trump behaves. Like a sore loser. Like a spoiled brat. He definitely is NOT the adult in a situation. So for these reasons I’m glad I don’t live in America. Wonderful country although it is, it’s not for me under the helm of such a tyrant.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Coronavirus COVID-19

The third week of March 2020 has seen the government take increasingly drastic measures to suppress the COVID-19 virus from transmitting person to person amongst the general population. Measures have gone from advice to ordering people to avoid social gatherings and the pub and restaurants, travel only when necessary on public transport and to work from home where possible. Schools are closed now until further notice except for the children of keyworkers and those who are classed as vulnerable. While the majority who get the disease will get it in a mild form, not everyone will. This is the dangerous thing and those who have less ability to get over it will succumb and go downhill rapidly.
These orders have increased the sense of panic in the population and shoppers are stripping the supermarkets of food and other essentials.  I couldn't even buy bread on Tuesday night, even before the more stringent orders were issued. It is market day today in town and the fruit and vegetable stall had long queues either side of it. I've never seen it like this in my lifetime.

Monday, March 09, 2020

Day off

Had the day off today. Had a very nice walk with my puppy in the local woods, this morning it was cold but sunny. Great weather for dog walking. This afternoon less so but I walked between 2-3pm and the rain didn't start until after 3, so I timed that right.
This coronavirus is a worry. My son needs some hand sanitiser for a school trip in April and we can't get any anywhere. Well, that's not quite true, we did find some in Aldi but some people don't think it is good enough. The information is a bit unclear on what will be ok and what won't, the % of alcohol content in the gel I mean.
Well the good news is that I am now the proud owner of a Canon 7D camera. I had to trade in my other cameras in to buy it though. Ah well, I will use it more than those. I still have a Panasonic Lumix, a Nikon and now a Canon. I also have a Fuji bridge camera.