Today, and probably for many more days or months to come, we are facing a deadly pandemic caused by Covid-19. We are being forced to adopt a whole new way of life and it’s hard to imagine how we will ever go back to normal. Going into isolation and washing our hands until they hurt was never part of The Plan … for any of us …

We have never experienced anything like this before … not even the Flu of 1918/19 produced such huge societal changes …those changes (in 1918/19) came as a result of the millions of dead and the subsequent revolutionary changes to society. Music, art, unions, minorities, literature and the general feeling amongst the people.

But this pandemic is different and we are blessed that the death toll thus far is relatively low. If you have experienced loss through Covid-19 it will not seem like a blessing at all. We may learn later that many of the deaths were due to no isolation and no social distancing. Who knows?

We must never forget the Spanish Flu; the most devastating pandemic ever recorded which killed from 50 to 100 million people (nobody is really sure of the exact number). Like Covid-19, SARS and MERS, its origin is still really unknown …but it is known it was spread by returning troops. Believed to have started in France, there was no isolation and no social distancing.

This article, from Medicine Net tells us what to expect. The information is from data taken from the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Is to stop the spread of the virus using draconian measures. Governments all over the world have been closing borders and preventing people from travelling. Social isolation is one of the keys to preventing a more rapid and more dangerous spread. But we rely on individuals to follow the guidelines and many don’t.

Closing all restaurants, cafes, theatres, anywhere that people socialise in groups slows the spread, Even socialising with families is discouraged.

Does anyone really know? There is very little chat about the reasons but the prevailing attitude seems, for many, to simply believe it won’t happen to me. Maybe they’re right. We won’t know, and neither will they until it’s all over.

In addition, there seem to be a lot of people who just aren’t taking it seriously. This is a virus that will not magically disappear. This isn’t a rehearsal … it is really clear and present danger. You would have to be dead or taking a voyage to the bottom of the sea to have missed this.

Perhaps isolation and social distancing will come into their own when the death tolls climb. Is that really what it takes for Covid-19 to be considered a major threat? Really?

Remember the old saying … it isn’t rocket science. Just follow the simple instructions:

Wash your hands for at least 20 secs (every time)
Use paper towel to dry them and throw the towel away immediately
No soap and water? Use hand sanitizer but make sure it contains70% alcohol.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw the tissue into the bin immediately
No tissue? Use your sleeve!
Do not touch your face, eyes, mouth or nose unless your hands are clean
Avoid being around people with a fever or cough
Avoid groups
If you are out (e.g. supermarket), stay 6 feet away from others
SELF-ISOLATE … it seems isolation is key.

Different countries have different time periods for isolation but there are the same at-risk groups everywhere. Be aware … stay 6 feet away from others and Isolate.

Follow the guidelines for self-isolation
Stay calm
Do NOT panic-buy (greedy, selfish and unnecessary)
Find things to do that keep you happy …
■ paint,
■ binge-watch Netflix,
■ go for long walks,
■ garden
■ write a book

We’ll be sending out a more complete list of possibilities later.

Don’t forget, not all elderly people are tech-savvy. Many don’t even have a mobile phone but they DO usually have a landline. Call them, drop them a note, shout through the door, but please make sure they’re not lonely and frightened. If you can, make sure they enough food too …