I start this post with an apology. A couple of hours ago I put out advice on trying to protect and detect against Coronavirus. It seemed to make sense to me. But my sister, who deals with such matters, almost immediately telephoned to say that parts of the post were erroneous and that I should take it down. I have done so and apologise again. I am sorry if I unintentionally misled anyone.
Was it only 4 months ago that people were asking how the Country could come together after the schisms apparent over BREXIT? Many believed it was impossible most certainly in the short term. Well maybe they were wrong. Perhaps the Coronavirus Crisis can have on up-side and help us there.
Surely now the country has come together to fight this most dreadful scourge and the Blitz Spirit may not be dead. That is evident in the huge number of people who have volunteered to look after isolated and vulnerable people. It is evident too that almost everyone is now obeying the instructions and rules on social distancing. It is evident again in politics in so far as politicians are clearly thinking we have much more important challenges to overcome than petty in-fighting and point scoring. Those are important pluses and let’s hope they don’t dissipate as things get better.
Coronavirus will be defeated inevitably and I am convinced we will get through this crisis quicker than some forecast. Things may look bad at the moment and the news is likely to get considerably worse but, by pulling together and supporting each other our bounce back will be faster and stronger.
Another plus, albeit it might be a personal one, is that the Corona Crisis has been a serious catalyst for me to contact all sorts of old friends and in particular those that live alone. Can I suggest to everyone who reads this that they look through their contacts and choose someone to ring? Morale soars amongst the lonely if they realise someone is thinking about them. I am pretty bad on things like SKYPE but, my goodness, I love the phone. So, my telephone bill is taking one heck of a pounding not least because my conversations with friends and colleagues on it are far longer than normal!
May I end by setting down some signposts in case people do not know them:
- Getting latest government information and advice on the Covid-19 crisis: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
- Bromley Council appeal for volunteers to help the vulnerable: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/1113/volunteering/1410/volunteers and request
- Bromley COVID-19 Mutual Aid. Local people offering to help to anybody affected, particularly those in self-isolation with shopping: https://www.facebook.com/groups/508708420070522
- Beckenham COVID-19 Mutual Aid. Same purpose but focused specifically in Beckenham: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3849430858408209