Coronavirus diary, Monday 23 March

Monday, and life is becoming more restricted by the day as the government responds to the sharply increasing number of cases and deaths. All schools shut down indefinitely from today apart from those for children of essential workers, including the NHS. 

Crowds in London ignore advice. Photo: BBC

With the continuing panic buying in the stores, people are also ignoring the advice to keep their distance by flocking to the parks and even the beaches over the weekend. The National Trust, which had kept its gardens and parks open, today shut, then the prime minister threatened more drastic actions if advice continues to be ignored. Despite denials, there is an increasing possibility that London, where the infection rate is the highest in the country, will be 'locked down'. One reason is that Londoners have been pouring from the capital, going to second homes in the country. Britain has been warned that the UK, where the number of deaths has risen to 281, could suffer as badly as Italy where the virus is rampant, with deaths now over 2,000. In Wales, there have been 12 deaths. Cardiff city council is appealing for volunteers to deliver food to vulnerable people confined to their homes. Letters are going out this week to 70,000 patients suffering from serious health problems. I wonder if I will be getting one. 

All are family are coping well so far. Owen today started his school's elaborate online teaching system while Robert yesterday enjoyed a weekend bike ride on deserted lanes around Chalfont St Giles, Bucks. Rosie Dymond is spending six months in North Wales as substitute vicar in a large parish. She is moving from a cottage to the vicarage overlooking the Menai Straits. She says she can go for a run, bike ride or walk early in the morning or at sunset without meeting a soul, and can pray in an ancient church just across the road. She manages her pastoral work on the phone or internet and is also giving support in the community. Here at Sunrise, life is so far almost normal  with Sara and the staff adapting well to the changes.

It is another brilliantly sunny day and, like everyone here, I can't go out to enjoy it. No point in charging my scooter, lying idle in my room.