After weeks of reading, talking, even joking about it, suddenly it is really happening. Here. Right on our doorsteps.
Yesterday evening our island's Chief Minister held a press briefing and advised against all non-essential travel off island for residents and announced that all travellers arriving on the island must go into immediate self-isolation for 14 days.
Today he has advised social distancing for all over 70s and vulnerable people.
I have been told not to attend Hospice for my volunteering shifts until further notice.
P went out for a run this lunchtime (he is not 70 until next year!) and said that the roads were the quietest he has seen for a long time. Nobody out and about.
Although we have seen evidence of some extremely selfish people, queueing outside supermarkets before opening time then clearing the shelves of all the basic non perishables, there are also many more instances of how our small island community - the REAL Manx people - pull together in times of crisis, as they have always done.
There is now a website and Facebook page created by volunteers where people in need can request help with shopping and other requirements. Small local businesses are offering to help the elderly and vulnerable.
The Government is currently in the process of devising a support plan for local businesses in danger, such as restaurants, cafes and pubs etc.
It is a time of great apprehension and fear for a lot of people, but we are in the fortunate position of being a small island, only 86,000 inhabitants, and if we can protect our border (air and sea) then we stand more of a chance of holding off this virus for a little longer than elsewhere.
We do still have a great farming community who produce great quality food.
We just have to hope that we can keep going until everything starts to settle down.
This is just the beginning. They're talking about months. Normal life will be damaged in so many ways. The virus is everywhere now - from The Vatican City to French Polynesia. This is just the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what the world will be like when all this is eventually over. A different place altogether?
DeleteWe feel much the same here in The Dales.
ReplyDeleteYou must keep posting Weaver so that we know you are OK x
DeletePubs and restaurants shut in Ireland but the supermarkets are full. Why?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem to be consistent does it. I know that buying food is more essential than going out for a drink but you are more likely to be up close to someone in a busy supermarket.
DeleteExactly what we thought JayCee.
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ReplyDeleteHa, they are all too me! me! me!
DeleteYour island is also a good place to be quarantined. And you have local farmers and fresh produce, empty roads and friendly natives.
DeleteOur local produce is oranges, lemons, olives and wine. All we need is a toilet paper factory.
Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have deleted. Thought it sounded disjointed!!
DeleteWe are apparently still getting deliveries of toilet paper into the shops but the selfish ones are still hoovering it all up every morning before the rest of us get there. I am not desparate enough just yet to get up at dawn to queue for loo roll.
DeleteCan't understand the need to hoard toilet paper. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness unlike other forms of 'flu. It's happening here too.
ReplyDeleteIt only takes one media report and they all follow like sheep. Some people just cannot think for themselves.
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