Coronavirus diary: Thursday 19 March 2020

Coronavirus diary: Thursday 19 March 2020

Bob at home at Sunrise, Cardiff

I am fortunate to be writing this in the comfort of Sunrise of Cardiff where I have been living for the past six months following my wife Rosemary's death in 2018. We had planned to be here together, but it was not to be. Although my life has completely changed, my move has proved to be the right decision. I have the comfort and reassurance of being well cared for in my lovely new home, even more important now with the upheaval the virus is causing. It is a great relief to our family as it must be with all the residents. In times of emergency and stress, whatever the cause, it is vital to be looked after and, most important, be kept informed. 

We are being kept up to date on the situation, with close relatives kept in touch by email. Sara, the general manager at Sunrise, has been personally explaining to us what is happening and what to expect over the next few weeks. From today [19 March] there will be no more visitors and we will not be able to go out, possibly for two months or more. I will miss my scooter trips around the park but these have been rare lately due to weeks of rain. The carers are checking our health daily and we know what further action may be needed. I am again lucky in being able to keep up to date with family and friends by email, and Robert has explained how I can use FaceTime video to keep closely in touch. 

Ria is working at home in Newport with Gyles, Mylo,  Rosa and Claudia making it a full house, Wendy has Kevin working from home, Dan back from work in Paris and Adam from university. Wendy says her sweetshop may need to close. Valerie and Jimmy, on holiday in Cyprus, are waiting to get a flight home. 

I enjoy having long emails from friends in Germany and America. Werner in Esslingen tells how he and Sabine and the family are coping with conditions and restrictions very similar to ours. Their large family is scattered with children and grandchildren in other countries, including Ghana, trying to get home. 

Yesterday's decision by the prime minister to close schools from today was, as with so many restrictions announced recently, not clear enough, causing concern and confusion. Rather than give clear details, decisions are being made too hastily, worrying and annoying the millions of people involved. The same applies to issues for the self-employed, no-contract workers and people renting their homes. Not good enough.