Another Covid-19 Saturday

~ beetleypete

A week has gone by in Beetley, with little of note to report. Next door has a man in fixing the roof, so Ollie is constantly barking at the hammering. The supermarket in town now seems to have abundant stocks of everything, including a whole aisle of toilet paper.

I haven’t left the village for more than two hours this week, and driving into town still feels like I am going back in time to when traffic and parking issues were unknown. But the setup at the pharmacy reminded me what is really going on. A queue outside, and a lady wearing full PPE asking why we were there. One customer allowed in at a time, and only her allowed to open and close the doors, wearing gloves. No browsing the cosmetics and toiletries, just up to the counter, get the medicine, and leave. Good to see that implemented.

I spoke to someone yesterday (across the river, on the opposite bank) who said it was good to have a dog, as it gave us a reason to go out every day. That made me wonder. If I didn’t have Ollie, would I bother to go out, to simply ‘exercise’? I can’t answer that, as because I do have Ollie, I will never know.

Having a dog is definitely helpful during this period of uncertainty. It gives me a structure to the day, and someone to play with when he wants ‘toy-time’ in the early evening. And it is a joy to see how he is completely unaware of what is going on, at a time when it is the only thing anyone ever talks about.

The Blue Tits are back in the nest box fixed to the oak tree, and the Wood Pigeons are fighting over available females, as well as any food I put out on the lawn. They wake me up at first light, clattering around on the flat roof of the extension, then crashing into the windows during their bloodless battles.

I watched some news reports, including one from America where people were demanding their civil rights to refuse the lockdown. One man said he wanted his barber to open so he could get a haircut. At first I thought it was meant to be funny. Sadly, he was serious.

China has a second outbreak of Covid-19 close to the border with Russia, in the north-east. They allowed their citizens to return from Russia by train, and the virus came back immediately. They now have a lockdown all over again, in a different place.

The US and UK should take note of that. We are still flying home Britons supposedly stranded on holiday or visiting relatives in places like India and parts of SE Asia. I want to know why those people thought it was okay to travel to those places in the middle of a pandemic, and then expect to be allowed home to potentially bring more infection back with them.

We cannot get anyone to take jobs involving picking fruit and vegetables here. So last week, 400 workers were brought in from Romania to work on farms. According to news reports, none of them have been isolated, or tested for Covid-19.

Do Britain and America have some kind of death wish? Do our governments know something they are not telling us? As death rates start to fall in Italy and Spain, they are still increasing in Britain and America. At least 15,000 deaths in the UK, and 33,000 in the US. Per head of the population, the UK figure is significantly higher than that in the US. That should tell us that our government is doing something very wrong in their feeble efforts to contain this virus.

Enough of that. The workman has stopped banging, and Ollie is no longer barking.

Peace has returned to Beetley.

101 thoughts on “Another Covid-19 Saturday”

  1. I wonder if our gov’t has a death wish at times. I have been writing a lot about the future normal on my blog – and I had not actually crossed that in my story yet. WHAT do THEY know that WE DON’T. That is a scary thought in itself. We can easily deduce that they do have anterior motives based on historical events. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully – their death wish doesn’t take us down in the process (aside from my frustrated political views which also sound self-destructive *sigh*). I will just write about it in my blog world for now. What else can a person do?

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    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Joe. There is ample evidence that the government in Britain was quite happy for up to 200,000 people to die, in the hope of creating ‘herd immunity’. And it would have saved a lot of money for them too.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. Seeing wildlife flourishing in the reduced human activity makes me think we should just accelerate the end of human life on this sorry planet.
      Thanks, Paul.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  3. China allowed people to return from Russia? No testing? Where is common sense? Over here, people can’t even go to a relative’s wedding or funeral. Stay at home is basic common sense. Excellent post, Pete.

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    1. Those returning from Russia had their temperatures taken, but that obviously wan’t enough. They should of course have been quarantined. Shows what happens if you allow the restrictions to end too soon.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  4. Here, in Spain, we are not allowed to go for walks for exercising, at least not at the moment. It’s in discussion now, and children might be allowed out for a bit from next Monday, but under strict regulations. Things are looking better, but the process of lifting the lockdown will be complicated. I wish we had a dog, but my mother’s apartment is too small and I don’t think it would be fair on the animal. Take care, and keep safe, Pete!

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  5. I love your stories about Beetley too, Pete! What a wonderful small village, were hammering of a neighbour is the only noise. 😉 Great fun for Ollie, too. Since our neighbour passed away 10 years ago, we no longer hear the chainsaw, he started every working day just before high noon.
    Yes, these Covid-Saturdays are crazy. I always asking myself, why not more stores offer a delivery service. Since we lost our local pharmacy five years ago, you can get products from there only by delivery. Best wishes, Michael

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  6. I can’t comment on your government, but I can comment on our government. Our government is out in an alternative reality that is associated with the lack of intelligence allowed in Washington DC and they prove it daily with an hour and 30 minutes to 2 hour-plus campaign rally (which incites the fools who want to get their hair cut as a basic freedom). Warmest regards from the land of Insanity, Theo

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    1. Thanks, Theo. Our government is terrible. Ministers who are corrupt, deliberately avoiding doing what is needed to be done, and lying blatantly. And we have a prime minister hiding in the countryside in one of those second homes you are not supposed to go to. They are not insane though, which is a small mercy. Just about.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    2. I found a comment from you in Spam. Something about ‘Off Topic’, with links. I marked it ‘not spam’, but it seems to have disappeared. If I find it again, I will reply.

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    1. I watched another report on the protest today. Men dressed in what looked like SWAT gear, carrrying assault rifles. I was rather surprised when the reporter started interviewing them, and they turned out to be protestors. From a British perspective, this is just complete insanity. They are taking to the streets, heavily armed, to protest about their right to die from a virus. They should just save time, and turn the guns on themselves. What does this say about America in the 21st century?
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  8. Nice to hear what is going on your end Pete. In NZ, we are actually not too bad thanks to our amazing PM. But praying all this is over and hopefully we all can get back to a normal life… Which I doubt will will be any sooner. You have a good weekend and stay safe in your bubble😊

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    1. Thanks, Sanjana. New Zealand has managed this very well, thanks to a sensible approach, good government , and geographical isolation.
      A ‘normal’ life will seem much the same to me after this, but with a little more traffic. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. Having a dog to walk is more than just exercise too. It connects us with nature, gives us something to care for without bickering or argument, and allows us to see through the dog’s eyes the joy in simple things, at a time when many are missing luxuries and holidays. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  10. I posted a post on ‘P for Plague’ today – scheduled in March. It’s about the Black Death, but there are disturbing echoes. We may have more scientific knowledge and technology than many in Medieval Europe, but there’s still the stupidity around. Superstition and ignorance, plus racism and irresponsibility are working against the brave front-line workers. Some say, “God will protect us”, but as my wife says, “you have to do the footwork”.

    You rightly ask, “Do Britain and America have some kind of death wish?”. Reading what’s happening worldwide and comparing different countries’ reactions, the answer must be, “Yes” – if their lunatic leaders continue to run the asylum.

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    1. Thanks, Roland. The Black Death was fuelled by ignorance, and we should not forget that it returned again to kill huge percentages of the population in many European countries. The sad fact is that we have not learned much over the centuries about how to use our scientific progress in the best ways. Covid-19 is almost certainly a consequence of laboratory manipulation of previous viruses, that they were ‘playing with’ to create a biological weapon, or an incurable virus just for the sake of creating one.
      Seems to me that it is not unlike playing with a grenade that then explodes in your hand.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  12. You would have a field day if you watched one of the daily “press briefings” back in the states. It’s like an alternate reality where all we hear is what a fantastic job the federal government is doing. I read a funny article the other day about people finding random things to bet on since sports and casinos aren’t open. One of the items listed was individuals betting on the number of times the President says “incredible” during these fiascos.

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    1. We get an edited version of those on the BBC. It is hard to believe it is real, and not a satirical comedy. I didn’t like Clinton at all, and have little time for Biden, (or Obama before for that matter) but how even ONE person voted for that man in 2016 is a complete mystery to me. The mad thing is, I fully expect him to win a second term!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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        1. As I said to Felicity, news camera crews like filming the ‘crazies’. I get that they are in a minority, but the ‘news’ allows them a voice that should not be heard, in my opinion.
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  16. I had been wondering when the “I have my right to do what I want” would emerge across our country. When you promote self throughout a culture, the idea of the common good is alien for many. I am glad that where I live we aren’t seeing this lethal nonsense.

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  17. Aaargh, that Trump. And here “I want to know why those people thought it was okay to travel to those places in the middle of a pandemic, and then expect to be allowed home to potentially bring more infection back with them.” Exactly.

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  20. Pete, my mother always said there would never be a lack of stupidity in the world. Seems to be plentiful in some of these ludicrous gridlock protests. Makes me wonder why some of them are wearing masks if they have nothing to fear. At this rate, it will be a long time before we will ever get to a place of well being and trust. I have absolutely no trust in our federal government. Thankfully, our governor has been a voice of reason. Stay safe, Pete.
    I’m glad you have Ollie to walk with.

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  21. I’m glad you have Ollie, for all kinds of reasons–some of them selfish. Ha! He’s so cute! I “discussed” Tennessee’s response to COVID-19 with Kim yesterday. Our governor is taking a measured response. So far our numbers of infection and death have been below what were predicted. I’m grateful. I know that has so much to do with isolating ourselves. I suspect our governor will lift the ban on the 1st of May. I fear that’s too early. I would like to see us hold out until the 14th. I know we have to get back to work though. We can’t wait for the virus to be eradicated. My thoughts, anyway.

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  22. I fail to understand the guns at the anti-quarantine demonstrations. Either they are planning a mass shooting or they are going to shoot one another, all of the sane people are at home wondering how it could possibly get any dumber. This stuff can’t be made up.

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    1. Very true, Jaques. Compare that to the dignity shown in so many other badly affected countries, and the Americans involved are showing a very bad face of their country to the outside world.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  23. I am lucky to live in California, where the Governor took swift and decisive action – so while we are dealing with the same issues as the other states, we have adhered to all of the quarantine orders and our death toll is lower than a state our size could have had. If I were to have told you that the President of the United States would send messages to armed protestors to “liberate” themselves, you would have told me I was mad. But I’m not the one who is…we are going to have a VERY volatile election in November.

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  25. It’s wonderful that Ollie gives you a reason to go out. And entertainment too. The cats give me a reason to open the door for them multiple times a day. Just kidding – sort of – you know I love my boys!

    We are still practicing social distancing here in Washington State and taking reasonable precautions against the virus. I trust our governor. He listens to the top medical advice, is reasonable and wants to do the right thing. Washington, Oregon and California have banded together in this regard. I will never understand the mixed up messages coming from the top nor the ones who follow. It is frightening. I believe they’re a fringe minority doing the protesting but they get the coverage.

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  26. I’ll get my medicine late today outside of the pharmacy, at their drive-by counter, even if I would still be allowed to get it inside in the supermarket [the pharmacy I use is that of our local supermarket]. In these times, I can even get over-the-counter stuff at the drive-by. Normally they don’t have that service. Btw, all of our big pharmacies have drive-by all the time, not only now.
    Take care, and stay healthy,
    Pit

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      1. When we were driving around today – to check on our cousin’s new house and to get my medicine – we were wondering what “non-essential business” means. Acording to our governor’s order, all non-essential businesses should be closed. So we were wondering, why, for example, hardware stores are still open. But, being in e “rad” state here, our governor has of course been vaccillating.

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        1. We have some hardware shops and garden centres open. Apparently, they are considered ‘essential’ so that people can maintain their houses and gardens. Presumably so it fetches a good price when their relatives sell it after they die from catching the virus?
          Best wishes, Pete.

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  28. We have plenty of toilet paper but the shops don’t have self raising flour. I had a long walk to the pharmacy yesterday and everyone crossed the road when they saw me coming. It’s a strange feeling.Our writing group leader has set us a task to keep us busy so I have a story to write. Good job because I have read every book in the house!

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    1. I have been writing a lot more, but seem to have lost the concentration for reading. That’s an issue, as I have promised a review of a new book to be published in a couple of weeks. I have to knuckle down and read the thing! 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  30. It is worse here in the states, Pete. I have given up trying to understand people anymore. It almost seems as if they have a death wish. I think our society (at least here) has been dumbed down to the point they don’t really know any better. They all have rights, it just seems their rights never stop, where mine begin.

    Everyone wants to play “follow the leader”. Americans love fads, and causes. Don’t worry about the consequences, the government will take care of you. I think we will see a new resurgence of the virus due to the rush to get back to “normal”, which really wasn’t all that normal anyway.

    A society that lives for the next episode of Kardashian’s, Tiger King, Oprah, The Voice and other fake reality shows (I know, an oxymoron), is guaranteed to succeed at extinction.

    [/rant off]

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    1. A worthwhile rant, Ron. We tend to follow your trends, and that awful Tiger King is now popular here. (I swear never to watch it, it’s disgusting.) The only thing we have yet to import from America is an arsenal of personal gun ownership. 🙂
      Best wishes to you both, Pete.

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  31. Sadly I don’t have a fur baby any longer, but I’ve been pushing myself to go for my daily 2-3 mile walks at least 6 days a week. I’ve noticed my clothes are a little bigger on me so Yay!

    You know my feelings on Trump, and I’m curious to see how both our countries react if this comes roaring back as they lift the lockdowns. I shouldn’t even say “back” because in parts of the U.S. cases are still increasing. I understand the ramifications of keeping everything closed, but what has changed? The virus is still there. It’s just as deadly and contagious. We still have no real therapeutic medication to treat it. A vaccine is still at least a year out. What’s going to happen?🤷🏻‍♀️

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    1. ‘Saving the economy’ is important of course, but what use is doing that if there are not enough workers, and too few consumers because so many will have died? They have to try to fund the lockdown, and enforce it too. The future will thank them for that resilience. Besides, if the US can fund the Space Force, and plan to build mines on The Moon, the money has to be there somewhere. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  34. I’m pretty sure we notice the noisy extramural activities more now, in comparison to the otherwise very quiet environment, hence they are rather more irritating than usual! That’s something that wet weather tends to curb, of course, but I have been enjoying the more balmy days we have seen recently. Cheers, Jon.

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  35. When you see the reports coming from the States you can understand how Trump got into power in the first place! Mind you you have to worry about the competence of the UK government as well given the lack of planning, at least they are following the science, well except for quarantining those who enter the country, why wouldn’t you? Its not hard to do!
    Not that I trust the Polish government for a minute, but the borders were shut fairly rapidly and anyone coming in is under a 14 day quarantine as you would hope, this is backed by an app on your phone and police visits. If the figures are to be believed Poland is very low on the chart and I can only assume that it is because of this and the mostly compliant population.
    Thankfully we are mosty oblivions to it all, other than falling sales as we can’t go to market. Two more goats were born this morning, the sun is shining, the crops are doing well and the last person I saw was in a tractor about half a mile away 🙂

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    1. Good to hear that you are safer in Poland than you would be here, mate. Congratulations on the baby goats too. I reckon they are worth a blog post from you, to cheer everyone up! 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  36. We don’t have a dog but try to get out for a walk most days. Unfortunately we can’t drive to some of the places I usually walked which seems madness as they are woods only used by dog walkers and I could often walk round without seeing anyone. Now, I can only walk from my front door and so meet half the town on a path which is scarcely wide enough for two people to walk together so keeping the regulation distance from other people is impossible. People are diving into hedges to let other walkers pass. Police in England have now said it’s ok to drive to go for a walk as long as the walk takes longer than the drive but not in Scotland so they are forcing us to come into contact with other people or stay indoors. My friend’s son has been in Australia for about a year but with the lockdown, lost his job (despite driving all through the time of the fires) and so couldn’t pay his rent and was evicted. His sister lives in Adelaide but he couldn’t go there because the lockdown means no one enters the city. She phoned the British consulate to say her brother was on the streets. They shrugged it off, saying she should buy his ticket back to the UK. She did, but not everyone is going to be so fortunate. He’s home now in quarantine in grandfather’s holiday flat – much to the fury of some of the neighbours.

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    1. Phew! It is a real mess, with no seemingly structured rules, and police doing different things all over. I am surprised that the Australians would not take pity on someone who had lost his job, and allow him some benefits and a place to stay until it calms down. At least he got home.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  38. I don’t know about your country but ours is run by an incompetent fool. He has already stated that lives lost will mostly be seniors and those with ailments. It is a cost he is willing to allow. Frightening. A
    fellow cityman, aged 32, passed away yesterday. He was in great health. So much for the fool’s ideas. This poor man left a wife and 2 year old child. All lives should be precious.
    It is frightening the number of citizens who are so selfish and unconcerned with the well being of their neighbors.
    STAY HOME stupid people is what I would like to shout. But then, the people with a brain are already doing that and don’t need the warning.

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  39. We do not have a dog but every evening we make it a point to walk for half an hour in the front yard. Earlier this would have been very tame. But we are so grateful we have a place to walk in instead of being within four walls. The whole world has turned upside down. But it is good to read everyday that people are coming together to help the needy including stray animals and birds. Take care, Regards

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  40. It is good to hear what is going on in Beetly Pete. But horrifying to think of how our government has dealt with this, and what our future might be. Lockdown forever? Hmmm. Glad Ollie has stopped barking. We have loads of DIY going on around us. Plus a few screaming children who are bred to tears. Just wish we had a bit bigger garden so we could at least go ouutside and sit. Have a good weekend Pete. No fear of running short of toilet paper now lol xx

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    1. Thanks, Lorraine. We actually had enough toilet paper before all the panic buying started, and haven’t had to buy any at all. 🙂 Too cold and drizzly for the garden today though, at least down here.
      Best wishes, Pete. x

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