22nd March 2020

It’s only been a few days since I last published a blog, but given the current circumstances, it feels appropriate to record more frequent updates on the events and adjustments the Palmer family is making as we navigate this new and more vulnerable world.

On Friday, 20th March, schools shut their doors to children, pubs and restaurants were ordered to close, and all venues and events that drew large crowds were halted. The government had already advised people to work from home where possible, and the elderly and vulnerable were instructed to self-isolate. The Chancellor introduced sweeping new legislation to support these measures, backed by an unprecedented amount of financial aid. Only time will tell whether these initiatives will succeed in slowing the spread of the virus, protecting our precious NHS, and saving lives.

We are not alone in taking these steps. Most countries already affected by the virus are following a similar path, and those yet to experience the full impact will likely adopt the same approach. We are in uncharted territory. Is there a better alternative? When all this is history, the post-mortem will provide answers; let’s just hope the ‘experts’ haven’t got it too far wrong.

Now is not the time for recriminations, that may come later. For now, we must all ‘bat’ for Team Earth and give 100% because anything less won’t be enough.

As a family, we text, call, and message each other throughout the day, keeping up to date with what everyone is doing. There have been a few brief visits, mostly to borrow, return, or drop off essentials for those in isolation, but we don’t come too close or linger too long.

On the evening of Saturday, 21st March, Sue and I were in the lounge watching a Netflix film on the cinema system, munching Bombay Mix, and sipping drinks, pretending we were in the Pullman seats at the Odeon. Then Messenger began urgently pinging on both our phones, the unmistakable sign of a family discussion. Lee and Sarah were on their way to Hinckley Hospital. Lee, who suffers from asthma, had developed a cough and was feeling quite unwell. Having called 111 in the morning for advice, they called again at lunchtime and were told a doctor would be in touch. At 5 pm, the doctor instructed them to go to the hospital. They were met at the entrance by two medics in full protective suits. Thankfully, after further investigation, it was confirmed that it wasn’t coronavirus. Relieved but still unwell, they returned home much later that night.

On Mother’s Day, the Prime Minister asked families not to meet up to prevent further spread of infection. Sue was supposed to be treated to a meal by Charlotte, Jamie, and Sarah, but with all restaurants closed, this will have to wait until later in the year, a small sacrifice.

This afternoon, I rang an old friend, Roger Woolnough. He had returned from his winter break in Cyprus on Friday, having had to cut his trip short when the Cypriot government ordered all hotels to close. Fortunately, he managed to secure a seat on the last flight out of Larnaca to Heathrow for £611. He described a sense of panic on the island. Apparently, before Christmas, a wealthy Chinese resident had bought up all the medical face masks and other protective equipment and shipped them to China to help in the early stages of the outbreak. Now, Cyprus is facing a shortage. They only have themselves to blame.

The weather has been pleasant over the past few days, bright sunshine, though with a chilly wind. The roads are eerily quiet, yet Welland Park remains relatively busy with families, children, and dog walkers. The town has an atmosphere I haven’t experienced in over 30 years. Back then, it was much smaller, and although we didn’t know everyone personally, we recognised familiar faces. It feels similar now, but this new sense of familiarity comes from a shared concern and the collective effort to follow the new rules. Still, it feels fragile. Every conversation begins with, “How are you?”, not as a mere formality, but as a genuine inquiry. I dread the day someone replies, “I have this awful cough and a temperature.”

A selection of messenger photos shared since the last blog.

1. Chicken feeder I made for Charlotte’s hens. 2. Lee losing at Monopoly 3. Hinckley hospital entrance. 4. Sue’s card. 5. Harry and the boys are enjoying the sun. 6. Sunday, 7 pm window candle to remember those affected by the virus. 7. Mia in water. 8. Geocache found. 9. Ellis and his water balloons.