Tag: Covid-19

Then and now. 21st March

21st March 1941. After 15 weeks siege the Italian garrison of the Libyan desert stronghold of Jarabub surrendered. The picture shows victorious Australian troops surveying the dead.

Sixty years later, pictures from New South Wales show disastrous floods with entire houses floating away; Italy faces a new national lock-down because of a global pandemic and Britons, rather than fighting together, are attacking their own police forces to protest about strict government regulations.

The new bill before Parliament that the rioters decry merely intends to give the police greater powers to deal with gatherings which would potentially spread deaths in this country.

The powers granted to the government and the police in 1941 went much further and were geared more towards causing death and disruption elsewhere.

“Wake up Britain.” as Lady Astor might have said.

A beginner’s guide to pandemic vaccination

After barely a year it appears that the boffins have come up with something approaching a preventative vaccination against a pandemic virus.

Now we must all be injected. The British National Health Service has pulled out all the stops and during the last weekend, despite some fairly awful weather conditions disrupting travel, managed almost 1,000 jabs per minute across the country in temporary mass vaccination centres.

It was my turn. I received a text message with a link to book the jab in a hotel about twelve miles away. Two days later I received a letter with a similar offer. Having booked the vaccination I was given a ten-minute slot.

On the appointed day I turned up, five minutes early for my 18:00 appointment, and was directed in the gloom and falling snow by a succession of marshals to a parking bay, where I was to wait until summoned. To occupy my time I was given a booklet explaining everything and nothing and a questionnaire, but no pen. I spent ten minutes defrosting the ball-point pen from the glove locker of the car.

Thirty-five minutes later, just as I was dozing off, a brilliant light was shone through the window and I was asked to go into the hotel.

Agitated people with crossed legs (the vaccination plan is still generally for the over-70s) were directed to the toilets and the rest of us took our places, 2m apart, in the reception queue.

We were quickly processed and sent to sit each in one corner of a temporary cubicle with three other uncommunicative occupants. Shortly afterwards two ladies arrived and one marked my section with a large red cross. I have seen documentaries about the plague of 1665, so I was not at all worried…

I soon worked out the system. If the vaccinators arrive first they draw a cross. If the disinfector arrives first they rub it out.

Anyway, after a stream of questions about me, my address, age, full medical history, inside leg measurement, etc. one of these ladies dashed off with her trolley, having apparently run out of vaccine, or needles, or will to live. Soon she returned, having forgotten which question had spurred her temporary disappearance.

Back to business. “Which shoulder do you prefer?” – “Whichever” – “Which hand do you write with?” – “Both, but I lead a horse with the right.” – “Left it is then. Thanks for wearing a T-Shirt.” – “Yes, couldn’t we have done this in Summer? – Ouch!”

“All done. You’ll feel like shit for a few days. Take paracetamol. Off you go. Wait 15 minutes before driving.”

I followed the arrows and left the hotel into an unrecognised part of the car park and searched for my car. As I finally found it one of the ladies ran up and gave me my repeat appointment card that they had forgotten in the excitement. 26th April at exactly the same (theoretical) time.

As production lines go, it’s probably as efficient as it can be without using robots. All credit and thanks to those who spend hour after hour jabbing arms, or directing people and registering details, or sanitising the chairs, or directing traffic in the cold, or answering questions, or any of the unseen behind-the-scenes jobs.

I saw nobody without an apparent smile behind their face mask. Well done NHS!

Stable stories

(Being an occasional update of my increasing involvement in my wife’s hobby)

Background. During the Covid-19 lockdown I was advised to isolate myself as much as possible, even from my family. I moved into the caravan in our garden.

Most days we took the opportunity to get some outdoor exercise by looking after the two horses at my wife’s stable yard. She does not own the yard but keeps a horse there and is responsible for the yard, supported by the owner of the second horse and a couple of volunteers who occasionally ride one of the horses.

The stable yard. My self-appointed task is to keep it tidy, because it is next to the owners’ garden.

During “lockdown” we would take two cars to the yard. Suitably gloved, after Chrissy had mixed up the horses’ supplementary feed, I would take one bucket and feed Cesar. Chrissy would take care of her own horse, Tristan. I would make sure that both horses had sufficient water.

As the summer drew on and I was allowed back indoors I found myself helping more in closer situations. Neither horse likes the application of anti-fly spray, and Cesar was often and for the rest of the group a “bit of a bugger” to catch. For some reason he will come to me and I have rarely had problems getting the head collar on him. He is 17.2HH (1.72m to the shoulder for those not equine-oriented) and if he decides to throw his head up you need a lasso or a step-ladder.

The only jobs I don’t do are “mucking out” and “poo picking”, but I see the day coming…

While Chrissy deals with horses’ excrement I divide the time between playing “chuck and fetch the ball” with Sparky, our 9 year-old labrador/collie cross dog and general tidying up and gardening tasks.

This morning was the first indication of Autumn (Fall for the ex-colonials). It was, as we used to say as kids, a “misty moisty morning”. The sun broke through about 08:00 and by 09:00 we were at the yard, where I took this photograph:

The first dew-laden cobweb of the season. Later I found bigger and better, but this is the first.

The weather forecast today is continual sunshine and temperatures rising to the high twenties (Celsius). We plan to bring the lads into the stables for the afternoon for shelter from the heat, so first job was to make sure they have hay and water available.

Then the normal feeding routine, including half an apple to keep the boys occupied while we fill the feed buckets. Chrissy deals with her horse Tristan while I look after Cesar. If we need to add or remove rugs, fly masks or other impedimenta it’s easier while they are feeding.

Tristan in his anti-fly outfit, waiting for breakfast after a bit of a downpour. Known to me as “Burglar Bill” or “Deborah the Zebra” (despite the gender issue)

For some reason this morning Cesar decided to take his breakfast and spread it across the wet surface of his upturned winter water trough, then lick it off bit by bit. I have caught him before licking the ganvanised surface.

Cesar’s new breakfast routine.

After the basic routine, I went to the winter paddocks that we worked on yesterday to cut out a couple of stumps too big for the brush-cutter to deal with.

Then back to the yard weeding, where I managed about a square yard of deep-rooted weeds in the stone surface next to the lawn

Not today’s work, but an indication of the job in hand.

And then home. Back again at around 12:00 to bring the lads in.

We have heard a lot recently about the effect of “the virus” on our mental health. I have to say that this helps me. I am getting out. I am working with animals. I am doing something useful.

Coronavirus – isolation

This morning, in the glorious sunshine, the Memsahib and I have been filling rabbit holes in the paddocks. I am in isolation at the moment, but using separate cars to drive the one mile to the stable yard and taking sensible precautions like wearing gloves at all times I feel that this can still count as isolated.

We are lucky enough to have this much isolated space to relax in:

We are maintaining a safe distance. She fills the holes and seeds them. I fetch and carry the watering can and finish off the job.

Keep safe, stay well. Paul.

Corona Virus: My story

IMPORTANT ADVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS

Today I received an e-mail from my local health centre with the information below. So I am not going into complete quarantine, but need to change my lifestyle for the next 12 weeks. Here is the current plan.

As of tonight I will start to sleep, wash and use the cooking facilities in the caravan, stored at home. Our spare bedroom is full of junk and the caravan has separate kitchen and washroom facilities. During the day I will use the living room in the house, but the Memsahib spends most of the time upstairs in the “office”, working from home, so we are keeping apart for much of the day. She only goes out (wearing protective gloves) for shopping, to collect post from her work, and to feed her horses.

I still intend, for the time being, to take Sparky-dog for a daily walk in the nearby woods – about 1/4 mile away – as we rarely meet anyone else en route and can in any case keep a good distance. Gloves are de rigeur when abroad. I now also carry a mask and alcohol wipes just in case.

If necessary I can move into total isolation in the caravan, but we shall see.

Here below is the advice from the NHS:

“Your safety and the continued provision of the care and treatment you need is a priority for the NHS. This letter gives you advice on how to protect yourself and access the care and treatment you need.

The NHS has identified you, or the named person you care for, as someone at risk of severe illness if you catch Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). This is because you have an underlying disease or health condition that means if you catch the virus, you are more likely to be admitted to hospital than others.

The safest course of action is for you to stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least twelve weeks from today, except from carers and healthcare workers who you must see as part of your medical care. This will protect you by stopping you from coming into contact with the virus.

If you are in touch with friends, family or a support network in your community who can support you to get food and medicine, follow the advice in this letter. If you do not have contacts who can help support you go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 0288327, the Government’s dedicated helpline.

If, at any point, you think you have developed symptoms of coronavirus, such as a new, continuous cough and/or high temperature (above 37.8 °C), seek clinical advice using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service (https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/). If you do not have access to the internet, call NHS 111. Do this as soon as you get symptoms. 

You, or the person you care for, should:

• strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature (above 37.8 °C) and/or a new and continuous cough

• not leave your home

• not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces e.g. family homes, weddings and religious services

• not go out for shopping, leisure or travel. When arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact

• keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media

• use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

• regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Ask carers or support workers who visit your home to do the same.

The rest of your household should support you to stay safe and stringently follow guidance on social distancing, reducing their contact outside the home. In your home, you should:

• minimise the time you spend with others in shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom and sitting areas) and keep shared spaces well ventilated

• aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from others and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible

• use separate towels and, if possible, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, or clean the bathroom after every use

• avoid using the kitchen when others are present, take your meals back to your room to eat where possible, and ensure all kitchenware is cleaned thoroughly.

If the rest of your household are able to follow this guidance, there is no need for them to take the full protective measures to keep you safe.

You will still get the medical care you need during this period. We are considering alternative options for managing your care and will be in touch if any changes are needed. Your hospital care team will be doing the same. We also advise that: 

1. Carers and support workers who come to your home

Any essential carers or visitors who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit, unless they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. All visitors should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, on arrival and often. 

It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you’re not sure who to contact please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.

2. Medicines that you routinely take

The government is helping pharmacies to deliver prescriptions. Prescriptions will continue to cover the same length of time as usual. If you do not currently have your prescriptions collected or delivered, you can arrange this by: 

1. Asking someone who can pick up your prescription from the local pharmacy, (this is the best option, if possible);

2. Contacting your pharmacy to ask them to help you find a volunteer or deliver it to you.

You may also need to arrange for collection or delivery of hospital specialist medication that is prescribed to you by your hospital care team.

3. Planned GP practice appointments

Wherever possible, we will provide care by phone, email or online. But if we decide you need to be seen in person, we will contact you to arrange your visit to the surgery or a visit in your home. 

4. Planned hospital appointments

NHS England have written to your hospital to ask them to review any ongoing care that you have with them. It is possible that some clinics and appointments will be cancelled or postponed. Your hospital or clinic will contact you if any changes need to be made to your care or treatment. Otherwise you should assume your care or treatment is taking place as planned. Please contact your hospital or clinic directly if you have any questions about a specific appointment. 

5. Support with daily living

Please discuss your daily needs during this period of staying at home with carers, family, friends, neighbours or local community groups to see how they can support you. If you do not have anyone who can help you, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.

This letter is evidence, for your employer, to show that you cannot work outside the home. You do not need to get a fit note from your GP. If you need help from the benefit system visit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit.

6. Urgent medical attention 

If you have an urgent medical question relating to your existing medical condition, or the condition of the person you are caring for please contact us, or your specialist hospital care team, directly. Where possible, you will be supported by phone or online. If your clinician decides you need to be seen in person, the NHS will contact you to arrange a visit in your home, or where necessary, treatment in hospital.

To help the NHS provide you with the best care if you need to go to hospital as a result of catching coronavirus, we ask that you prepare a single hospital bag. This should include your emergency contact, a list of the medications you take (including dose and frequency), any information on your planned care appointments and things you would need for an overnight stay (snacks, pyjamas, toothbrush, medication etc). If you have an advanced care plan, please include that. 

7. Looking after your mental well-being

We understand that this may be a worrying time and you may find staying at home and having limited contact frustrating. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour, which can make you feel worse. Simple things you can do to stay mentally and physically active during this time include:

• look for ideas for exercises to do at home on the NHS website

• spend time doing things you enjoy – reading, cooking and other indoor hobbies

• try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs

• try spending time with the windows open to let in fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight. Get out into the garden or sit on your doorstep if you can, keeping a distance of at least 2 metres from others. 

You can find additional advice and support from Every Mind Matters and the NHS mental health and wellbeing advice website. 

Further information on coronavirus, including guidance from Public Health England, can be found on the nhs.uk and gov.uk websites. “

Corona Virus/Covid 19. My story (2)

Today I have cleared out and cleaned our caravan, stored at home, for use as a potential isolation room.

It is ideal, with a decent toilet and shower room and good cooking facilities, including a small microwave oven.

Some weeks ago I took the precaution of stocking it up with tinned food.  I need to add perishables like tea, coffee, sugar, etc.

I have ensured that the TV and radio work and moved some favourite CDs and DVD box sets in.  This post is to check the internet connection…

It is adjacent to the “Shedquarters” so I can access most of my wargame stuff.

But I will need to sort out the rattling fence panels just outside…

“Lock down” shopping

We have just returned from our (un)usual Friday evening weekly shop.

Arriving at Sainsbury’s we joined a queue of potential shoppers at 2 metre intervals. Notices on the car park bollards explained why we were queueing and an estimated waiting time at 5 minute intervals. It was an over-estimate. Folks in the queue were well-behaved and chatty.

At the shop entrance were two jovial security chaps, monitoring the “one out, one in” system.

For a change it was a pleasure to shop, even though we were shopping both for ourselves and for a couple in isolation. No crowds, no congestion, no screaming brats running up and down the aisles.

And it was easy to find what we needed. Because the shelves were half empty the items were more visible. It’s a shame that we don’t need toilet paper because it was available!!! Only one box of “blue” eggs though.

The only negative was that we shopped using two smart “zappers”, but because they were linked to the same loyalty card the bill was amalgamated into one single shop. The system has probably logged us as hoarders too!

Ho-hum. Can we please continue to shop like this after the current crisis?

“Working from home”. Update

Just to add to the fun of her average 12 hour remote-working day, my wife’s boss, no doubt playing the rôle of benevolent squire, has organised with the local parish council to provide to villagers fresh vegetable boxes from the greengrocer who normally supplies the estate’s wedding business catering organisation.

So now the long-suffering beloved has to set up, immediately and with no forewarning, a system to account for the collection of payments from either individuals or the Parish Council and ongoing payment to the supplier of these boxes.

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) UK “Stay at Home”

My wife is responsible for the finances of a nearby business that is in fact ten separate registered companies including three trust funds, a wedding venue with accommodation, an estate-owned organic farm with a new herd of cows, sub-let farming land, many estate properties let to employees and other tenants and a canal-side marina.

There are about 50 employees, full-time, part-time or hourly contract. Many of the charges for the employees and other assets are cross-charged between the ten separate organisations.

Having almost finalised the annual budgets and started to prepare tax returns, she is now required to analyse and re-forecast following every new government measure announced, and these are arriving several times a day.

She is working from home, and yesterday spent the best part of thirteen hours at the computer, starting at 03:30 to get figures prepared for a virtual meeting at 09:30, and interspersed with a visit to the stable yard to feed and care for the two horses for which she is responsible in her “spare time”. She finally finished work at around 19:00, had dinner and fell asleep on the sofa.

Most of the previous day was spent re-calculating and running the payroll after the “furlough” situation for many of the employees.

This morning she was up again at around 04:30 to carry on. Working from home is not an easy option!

When I worked from home I used to start around 07:00 when my wife left for work and finish around 18:30 when she got home, but it was nothing like her stressful workload at the moment.

However, unlike many British workers, she does at least know that her wages will be paid in full and she is unlikely to be laid off.