Coronavirus diary, Monday 20 April

So, who who will we remember with gratitude when we move out of this, the darkest period of our lives? It must be the men and women, many in 'everyday' jobs that became essential, and dangerous, who helped our doctors and carers to save lives. Police officers, ambulance, lorry, bus and train drivers, supermarket and warehouse workers, rubbish collectors, post office workers. All ensured that life went on in our suddenly unreal world. And think of the scientists and health experts national and international. The government, too. Despite facing daily criticism of inaction and its decisions the Prime Minister, himself a virus victim, stood stoically to his task in the country's deepest crisis for generations. As a former journalist I must add the media to my almost certainly inadequate list of what is termed 'our heroes' for keeping us informed and entertained and continuing the education of housebound children. It was indeed a magnificent, unprecedented team effort. To rephrase the century old assertion, We Must Remember Them.

P&O's MV Ventura

I should have been writing today's diary on board the P&O cruise ship Ventura bound for the Canaries. Instead, I shall try a short walk in the Sunrise garden. Like many of the good things in normal life my cruise ship will sail again, soon I hope.