And so it begins. A brief visit to my local post office to take out money and a member of staff, usually friendly, is standing back from the counter and seems ill at ease. Small talk is rebuffed and monosyllabic comments are forthcoming.
The seriousness of the situation for all is clear, the emergence of Covid-19 is a threat not seen since 1939 and the start of the second world war.
For the next few months at least, lifestyles will be drastically changed and social interaction will be curtailed, almost to the point of extinction for some of the most vulnerable.
For the elderly among us, the threat is even more serious, so what can we do to make ourselves as safe as possible?
With an ailing and exceedingly frail mother of ninety eight, my courses of action are clear and without resorting to panic measures, I have ceased going out Mondays for my social activities on the hash or having a beer or two at the Church House down the road.
The 'hot spot' of Torbay with cases reported from pupils at Churston Grammar and health workers from Chelston Manor practice, mean that the virus is close by and inevitably spreading.
My groceries were being delivered twice weekly, however, the selfish panic buyers have now used up all slots for over a week and that option is no longer available. This is a great hardship for carers and the elderly who will now have to venture out in order to buy essential items.
If there is a vulnerable resident near you, please be kind enough to ask them if there is anything you can get them when you go out. THIS MAY BE VITAL FOR THEM in the near future.
I make sure that I do not touch my face for the duration of any outing and until I have thoroughly washed my hands on returning home. Ensure regularly washing hands after that as the virus can survive on surfaces for some time and you might have brought contaminated items with you back into your home.
The best time to visit shops is about half an hour before they close when few shoppers are out.
One vital activity that is unaffected is my running, a saving grace indeed and the opportunity to stay reasonably fit and maintain the immune system.
As a community, it is incumbent upon us to look after the elderly and infirm around us. If you live near such a neighbour, please enquire regularly if they are in need of assistance. Such an enquiry would also be deeply reassuring.
Although not guaranteed, the young and healthy have a significantly better chance of shrugging off the virus, whereas the elderly with health issues are at far greater risk. For us, it will be a severe test of our resolve.
I have never known such a potential threat to life and normality is a commodity that may not be restored for many months to come.
Take care out there.
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