Feest Isolation Days – 23 September
Monday, the Chief Scientific Officer Patrick Vallance and the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, held a joint news conference. It was the first time they did this without any politician present. They clearly set out the current Covid issues. The virus is on the move. They clearly said we need ed decisive and immediate action People could be left in no doubt when they finished their briefing that strict measures need to be put into place to stop the spread of Covid.
Yesterday, we heard the government’s new plans. Clever of them to get the Scientists to tell us all what we didn’t want to hear first. The Scientists said that we need to prepare to spend the next six months with the virus around us. Boris has taken that one on board. No more “we will be back to normal and jolly by Christmas” from the PM. The reality is quite different.
The politicians are no longer precisely following the science, however, but bowing to the pressure that everyone feels after restrictions have gone on for so long. There is a fine line to walk here, but a real leader would no doubt have found a better way through this. Boris is nibbling about the edges. Pubs and restaurants must be closed by ten pm. There will be no standing at the bar, only table service will be allowed. People who can work from home, now must do so. Retail workers as well as customers must now wear masks. The rule of six…no more than six people inside or outside is still in place. Except in Scotland where there is no mingling at all in households. No visiting anyone in another household. That seems more like what is needed. But not in England, at least not yet.
For the first time, Boris said some people were not following the rules. He was clear that there would be repercussions from now on if they didn’t. The police will have the power to enforce the rules and heavy fines will be imposed on people and businesses that do not follow them. The PM also said if the police needed support to enforce rules, the army could be called in to do this. A change of language certainly, and the threat hanging over everyone that things will get tougher if people don’t adhere to the rules, or the virus continues to thrive.
On a more positive note, the Scientists did think that by next Spring, there is real hope that there will be a vaccine. That and only that will open up the world again to the likes of us.
Nevertheless, Monday was a splendid day. A perfect Autumn day when the light is golden, the sun warm, not hot, the breeze a mere whisp of gentle air. My bike ride across the Downs was wonderful. People in their cars smiled and were friendly and helpful to me, a mere cyclist trying to cross a road or turn into a junction. Hard to believe that there is so much virus around on a perfect day like that!
Yesterday became a gray day but a long walk in Leigh Woods with a friend certainly was cheering. We found an astonishing array of mushrooms! I didn’t pick any as I have no idea which mushrooms are edible and which aren’t. But they were lovely to come across as we ambled through the forest.
Yesterday was fishing day for the editor. His bag was packed and he was raring to go. The bright sun first thing meant he packed his Tilly hat!
It was the best fishing day he’s had on Blagdon Lake so far this year. He brought eight trout home. The most ever in a day! If you are anywhere near, do give a call and a trout is yours!
Buckle up, stay safe and enjoy life in the new world we find ourselves in. Another six months or so to go it would seem.
Dig deep, find those things you love to do and do them a bit more. Stay safe.
Remember when we thought the pandemic was only going to last a couple of weeks?”
With love
Kathy x