Coronavirus diary, Saturday 28 March

The worrying news from Spain and Italy about conditions in residential homes for elderly people does not seem to be worrying the Sunrise residents. Some with memory problems probably do not understand what is happening but most are complacent. Good for them, but annoying for the staff sometimes, especially when residents niggle about the food and even the service in the restaurant. Many spend long hours in their room, and I should have thought mealtimes would break the monotony. 

FaceTime, anyone?

Apart from the daily entertainment programme, Sunrise is helping make up for missing visits from our families by providing some with iPads, showing them how to use FaceTime. Sara, the general manager, regularly keeps us all up to date with arrangements and plans. I am enjoying new pastimes, bingo for example: I have won four prizes so far! And skittles, not in a bowling alley but in our 'parlour'. Cancelled coach trips have been replaced with walks in the grounds with the carer. A good reason for complacency.

But there is little to be complacent about in the news, national and international. No one seems to be immune from the danger of the virus, as the prime minister and health minister, along with Prince Charles, in self isolation. As feared the number of deaths in Britain is increasing; yesterday there were 111, the highest daily total so far. The chancellor has announced a £9 billion package of grants to the self-employed, but they will not start getting their money until June as it is difficult administratively. More complicated is identifying and checking in the near-million volunteers who want to help the elderly and vulnerable confined to their homes, but this is due to start next week.

The optimism in Italy and Spain has been dispelled by big increases in deaths. In the USA, New York is by far the worst hit area. President Trump, who only a few days ago said the worst will be over by Easter and America would be getting back to normal, is uncharacteristically silent. The truth is no one, not even the experts, knows what the next weeks and months will bring.