Let’s talk about the only subject that’s been on everybody’s lips and mind for the past few weeks … COVID-19 or Corona Virus

Just about the whole world has been affected and we’ve still got a long way to go before we can breathe freely again and start to pick up the pieces to continue and renew our lives.

It has been a nightmare for everyone, particularly NHS workers, and of course carers. Some carers couldn’t get back from SA, or other countries, to care for their regulars, some couldn’t get home for their well-deserved break with their families. Others had their bookings cancelled because it was deemed safer to keep the carer who was already with the client, and some will be working for a very long stint with little or no breaks. Probably best for us to stay in the same place where possible because we also need to stay safe through all of this.

 Quite a few of us have offered to donate towards accommodation for any desperate carers who have unfortunately lost their bookings. It’s great to know that we’re still there for each other through this awful storm.

It’s particularly scary for us ‘over 70s’ as we have been placed on the vulnerable list. Some also have underlying health issues making it even more important to stay in isolation with our clients if working. I trust that you are all being extremely careful both for yourselves and your clients.

There have been so many stories flying around the internet, one doesn’t know any more what’s real and what’s fake news. At first I was enjoying the contact between us all but am now beginning to get fed up with all these stories being repeated time after time. It only adds to the confusion we’re already suffering.

I don’t want to talk about what we must or mustn’t do because we have been getting such conflicting orders or suggestions. The NHS staff are still waiting for the correct PPE so how can we be told to wear masks or protective clothing. They’re now also saying that you should take your shoes off outside the door as they could also be carrying the virus. Plus, don’t forget to wipe down the rubbish bins once they have been emptied as the dustbin people have touched hundreds of bins during the day.

it’s going to be interesting for me on Thursday when they do a food delivery. we have ticked the ‘in isolation’ button which means that they will drop and run ……. I take it that they’ll drop the shopping off at the door and move to the appropriate distance before I open the door. Then I must remember to disinfect all the bags before bringing them into the house. If you have any other tips before Thursday please let me know in the comments below

I take my hat off to all the delivery people and postmen who are carrying on regardless knowing that we desperately need these deliveries right now. I’ve talked through the front door window to a lot of them. If an item needs a signature, they point to the parcel and ask if it’s ok for them to sign for you. Amazon must be doing an absolutely roaring trade!

There was a total of 684 deaths on Friday and over 700 on Saturday which is the biggest amount so far. UK data shows that the number of new cases has fallen but experts say only time will tell if this is a trend. Let’s all keep doing our bit and stay at home unless it’s imperative that you go out for medications or shopping.

Let’s hope its’s not too long before we can start making plans for meet-ups again.

Keep safe everyone and keep in touch with each other.