It’s hard to believe how everyday life has changed the past weeks.
I decided to stay at home not so much because I am afraid in case I catch coronavirus.
I decided to stay at home because I want to protect vulnerable people.
That’s my responsibility as a human being.
Coronavirus is highly contagious and even in the case someone is asymptomatic, they can still spread it to others.
I will share with you my observations, what’s happening right now in the UK, in Greece, in Europe and worldwide, and how I see it.
Daily news about the illness around the world is at least heart-breaking. Europe, and especially Italy, has been hit particularly hard with thousands of deaths and is overwhelming health workers.
Greece took immediate measures to fight the virus and prevent spreading. They banned large gatherings, they shut down schools, coffee places, bars and now the churches. Many people started working from home, the supermarkets have extended their open times and a “Stay at Home” policy and avoid any human contact is highly encouraged by the Government.
The whole of Europe is on coronavirus lockdown at the moment and the “Stay at Home” policies are extremely important in all countries that the coronavirus has reached.
On the other hand, the UK hasn’t taken any measures until recently.
Until some days ago it was mainly about hand sanitising. You could see everywhere posters with how to wash your hands properly and there are sanitisers everywhere. Sure, this is important, but not the only measure in a pandemic virus.
Boris Johnson, is trying to protect the economy above all. His first public speech about coronavirus was on the 12 March 2020 (already delayed for a country which by that time had more than a thousand confirmed coronavirus cases). He said that we are facing the “worst public health crisis for a generation” and that we should be prepared to “lose loved ones before their time”. The government said they don’t believe that banning large-scale gatherings (as the whole of Europe has already done) was the answer. And his statement was heavily criticised by many.
So on Monday 16th March, he made another public speech. He advised everyone should avoid office, pubs, social venues and travelling and avoid any non-essential contact. Advised. Didn’t enforce any closures. He also said that people over 70 will be asked to stay at home within weeks.
He said that if someone is displaying any signs of the illness, should now stay put for 14 days.
Yesterday West End theatres and around the UK have shut down until further notice.
Regarding everyday life.
Living in the UK means that the internet was already a necessity and not a luxury, so most of the companies were already flexible working remotely. The majority can work from home without having to worry if they spread the virus.
Unfortunately, not all people are self-conscious of the situation and even if they have symptoms they still go to work (ignoring the guidelines), interact with everyone, believing it’s just a common cold. This kind of people are everywhere… in all countries.
Until two days ago, they were still people socializing on the streets, in pubs as if there’s nothing to be aware of. As of today, fortunately, they are fewer.
I tried yesterday to buy online a thermometer because I didn’t have one since December. The previous was extremely inaccurate and I had to throw it away. I was online searching and they were out of stock. Luckily I found one after an hour or so searching.
Toilet paper is out of stock (really? why?), antiseptic wipes and liquids are out of stock the same for thermometers and paracetamol. People have started panicking and are stocking up their house with as many products as they can… leaving other people with nothing at all.
Supermarkets now are making an attempt for everyone to have access to the essentials, by putting some common sense buying limits on certain products. (at least that’s what TESCO does now).
Some supermarkets will open earlier every day (probably an hour earlier), just for elderly customers and during this time, access to other shoppers will not be allowed.
There is also a “contact-free” delivery service that is being introduced (at least I saw that by DELIVEROO, an online food delivery company). This means that they will leave your order outside your door while the rider will step at least 1 meter and wait nearby for you to collect it).
In a worrying time like this, the “Stay at Home” policy to protect ourselves and our loved ones, is now the new reality for many of us.
But.
It doesn’t mean that it will be monotonous.
Just because we are shelf-isolated doesn’t mean we can’t be social. I have started virtual meet-ups with friends and family via video applications. Last time, we shared our home screen to show pictures from our recent trip to Tenerife – (which seems so far away now).
So stay positive, and think that:
- You can still order food and groceries online (if there is no slot available, call your local supermarket and ask if they accept orders by phone).
- If you can work from home, consider yourself lucky.
- You can watch movies and TV series from streaming services or tv.
- You can experiment with new hobbies, try new recipes, relax and sleep more maybe.
Just take care of your hygiene and take all safety precautions.
REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE THAT NEED SHELF-ISOLATION THE MOST. IT’S NOT EASY FOR EVERYONE. IF THEY NEED YOUR HELP, HELP THEM WITH GROCERIES AND MEDICINE. KEEP THEM COMPANY BY CALLING THEM. BUT DON’T VISIT THEM.
- If you can, adopt a pet.
- Don’t panic, stay safe and always think of the most vulnerable people when buying essential stuff and medicines. Buy things that will cover your needs for a week or two. Not for more. Think of the others. Always. We are together in this.
- Try to use contactless payments instead of cash. Always.
- Always double check fake news. Stay informed by the World Health Organization.
- Show respect for the people that are working away from their families, or can’t work remotely.
- Show respect to anyone working for your safety and well-being not by clapping from your balconies, but by taking all safety measures to keep you and others safe. Think as you already have the virus so behave responsibly.
- Avoid unnecessary contact.
It will soon pass!
We are all together in this.
Stay healthy!
