Coronavirus....

[Ally]

The Alentejo - the largest district in Portugal and also the least populated - still has no cases of the virus

Probably too windy for the virus to hang around.

[JanB]

Blowing it down to the Algarve

[cromwell]

Well that didn't take long. MrsC has been to the doc's for her blood pressure review and found it in lockdown. Go in by the side door, don't go unless you have an appointment. Prescriptions by on-line only. God knows how that is going to work with old people who don't have a computer.
Because we have two corona virus cases in the village now, according to the nurse who did MrsC's test.
People are ignoring the signs and walking merrily in and out, and abusing the secretaries when they get told. The phone is ringing off the hook.

[JanB]

Just had an text message from our health service, giving the website to go on if worried and also a freephone number to call (which we knew about anyway) and an English option too.

Well done Portugal

[JanB]

Oh, and still no cases in the Alentejo

[Ally]

Oh, and still no cases in the Alentejo

Still too windy.

[JanB]

Damn right

[Ally]

We all know this virus is something we've never seen the likes of before and hopefully never will again.

Shopping this morning wearing the plastic gloves provided. Being greeted by a guard at the door who would only let me enter once the person in front of me had gone right into the shop practically out of sight. Most people wearing a mask. Everyone being really aware of keeping their distance from each other. The general air of ....fear.

It's having an effect on everyone.

I'm off work for 2 weeks (and it might be longer as there's suggestions of why risk things when after 4 days the Easter holidays begin.)

Not being able to go out whenever the fancy takes you....one really feels 'odd' at just not being able to nip into town, go for a beer, a bite to eat, meet friends. Go running or cycling. Just things that make up our normal lives. Having your 'freedom' taken away (albeit short term) is the strangest feeling.

As I type I can look across and see a smashing framed photo of dad that sis took when he was in France. Then it hits me again that dad won't be coming over this Sunday as planned. Nor will I be going over on Saturday to pick him up. Next Monday sees the 'onset' of this time last year for me. A very painful time. It's a year next Monday mum and dad came over (mum's last visit) remember? And my dad was ill and in hospital? The 28th would have been their 59th wedding anniversary and I was so glad that dad was going to be with me whilst we 'got through' these very meaningful dates. Even this Sunday that I should have been flying with dad was going to be made that teeny bit easier because I would've been with dad. It's my first Mother's Day without mum.

So yes....this virus is hitting millions of people in so many different ways.

[saundra]

I really need some advice
Jonathan was/is coming tomorrow but I don't know what to do if asked him not to bring Scarlett because she won't understand about hugs and stuff at 4years old
I find it hard not to be able to give Jonathan a hug quite honestly I'm 78and frightened quite honestly I think the government are trying to isolate us oldies because they don't have the capability for us to be ill while we sit her being told to isolate from our family and friends now the question is do I see him tomorrow and distance my self how long is a piece of string and ally have a big xx

[JoM]

Al, I'm sending you so much love xx
I remember well your Dad being ill, we were in Prague and John had gone up an observation tower while I sat it out and checked in here. I so wish that he could be with you xx
Not sure how technically minded he is (I remember you telling us about him and his contactless card ) but would a tablet of some kind help so that you, your sister and he could Skype?

Saundra, I'm in the same position but looking at it from Jonathon's side. It's tearing me up that I might not be able to visit my parents, and give my Mom a hug and kiss when I leave, and I've got some shopping for them too. Of course there's Mother's Day this week and something I didn't post about last year when it was happening was that my Mom was diagnosed with Melanoma last Summer and thankfully, so very thankfully, got the all clear at Christmas. For a time though me and Julie were so scared and we thought we were going to lose our lovely and usually strong and healthy Mom so it would've been nice to be there with her this Sunday. My sister already dropped her present and card off last weekend