We’re currently 18 days into lockdown 2 here in Ireland. The difference is that this time the schools are open and when shopping we’re limited to ‘essential items’ which means that the clothes sections in supermarkets are closed off. This wasn’t true in our original lockdown.
I find myself feeling hugely relieved. Had the government not ignored NPHET initially, we would be getting ready to emerge from a 4 week lockdown. Instead we’re locked down for 6 weeks. I just can’t see us going from lockdown (level 5) back to level 2 or 3 where we were before October 21st when the 6 weeks began. This lockdown was not only to save lives and reduce the spread of the virus, it was also so that some sort of Christmas could be salvaged. I dread to think what it will look like. That is a worry for another day. Though I think I will prepare for it just being me and my cat, I have a feeling that travel will be a big no no.
Thankfully, we are seeing a reduction in the number of cases. It was well over 1000 daily cases when lockdown 2 started, today it was just over 540. (542 to be exact.) The number of deaths is also decreasing too, today there were 2. The total number of deaths since this all began is 1947. A sobering figure. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 and to all those who have lost loved ones during this time. One of the few comforts when experiencing bereavement is being able to share that loss and grief with family and friends and celebrating the life of the one we have lost. Covid-19 has robbed us of that too.
I find the uncertainty very stressful. It was March 2020 that Coronavirus first arrived here and whilst we are undoubtedly battling the second wave, I can’t help but worry about next Spring. Will there be a third wave? This virus is showing no signs of going away and we’re still very much in the trial and error stage of learning how to live with Covid-19. Will March 2021 be more of the same?
I really feel for all the amazing health care staff. They are truly heroes. They have battled through the first wave and are now again battling the second wave. They must be exhausted both physically and emotionally. I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through. I do my part – I wear a face covering when I’m out. I keep my social distance and only go out if it is essential or if I’m exercising.
