First few days…

I was not expecting self-isolating to be eventual but the first few days were. I had to cancel appointments, I had to tell my friends, who were coming around to see me and give me speech therapy, not to come and, most painfully, I had to write to my letting agent in Manchester to inform them that I will not be saying in my flat for three months. I just had moved in and I was looking forward to living there close to my work. Now, I’m working from home in a different county. Strange how life pans out.

We had the first scare of self-isolation. On Tuesday my Mum, who lives with me, had a slight temperature and she was not feeling very well. I was worried for her and for me. She didn’t have a cough but we played it safe as we could. We set up a “quarantine” in the house: I was restricted to my bedroom and kitchen/diner and she was in the lounge and upstairs. It was scary that we have to take such drastic measures so soon but it was a false alarm. The following day her temperature was normal and she was feeling much better. The “quarantine” was lifted but I’m feeling like I’m walking on egg shells whenever we sneeze or cough.

I’m not sleeping well at the moment. The realisation that I’m here, in this situation, has truly hit home. No visitors and three months stuck indoors. And I have many un-answered questions about this situation: am I ”self-isolating” or “social distancing”? Can I go out for a walk? If my Grandad is “self-isolating” and I am too, can I visit him?

The news is distressing as well; more and more draconian (but necessary) measures are kicking in. The schools are shut, more events are cancelled and the pubs, cafés and restaurants are closed. Rumours are flying around; maybe London will be locked down or the army will be called in. It plays havoc with our mental health.

However, some bright things were in store during the course of the week. My boss sent my work laptop to me so I was pleased to do some work. I hope it will give me a purpose and relieves some of the boredom at home. Things at the BBC are strange. Normally, after the programme, we debrief in the studio but now my colleagues have to set up a conference call to avoid close contact with others in the building. The hope is that they will not transmit the virus or slow its spread. Social distancing in the office; these are unprecedented times. However, the bonus is all the colleagues are working from home can take part in the meeting so it was great to see my colleagues again.

And best of all, when my blog was published, my friends and family messaged me in droves to offer their support. I’m so lucky to have people who care so much about me and I will need their support in the weeks and months ahead. We have to pull together in this strange and weird times.

Thank you for reading this entry and stay healthy.