Coronavirus diary, Thursday March 26

Have tandem, will exercise

Another sunny day! And most of us are stuck indoors. There are still some cars passing in Cyncoed Road - 'essential' workers and delivery vans, and the occasional pedestrian taking advantage of the government's permission for us to take daily 'one form of exercise'. Robert and Owen are going for bike rides on almost deserted roads around Chalfont St Giles, Bucks. Here, we can go out into the grounds for a walk, which I intend to start tomorrow. 

No social distancing here...

Unusually, no further restrictions have been announced by the government - almost all that can be done has been done - but not unexpectedly, new problems are arising. With train services drastically cut, those that are running are crowded with commuters, making a mockery of the 'social distancing' - two metres. There is confusion in the building industry with some firms carrying on, even though they are breaking the same rules. No doubt the government will try to put this right soon. Judging by the photographs in the newspapers, most people are observing the strict rules, only going out for essential food, medicine or 'one form of exercise' a day, and so far, no-one has been fined, maximum £100.

This unique state of emergency has brought out the best and the worst in people. The good news is the wholesale response to the appeal for volunteers to help vulnerable and old people marooned at home. I would certainly need that if I were still in the flat. Charity organisations, hard-hit by donations drying up, are still providing services. On the dark side, some companies and individuals are taking advantage of the crisis. The most blatant case is a doctor, purporting to operate from Harley Street, selling virus test kits for £350 that could be bought on the internet for £120. They haven't even been passed as effective, and have not yet been delivered to his 'customers'. In one week, it is reported, working from his home in Manchester, he has made £1 million. Astonishingly, nothing can be done to stop the practice or fine him as he is not breaking the law, unless he does not deliver the goods which so far he has not done. That is fraud. 

Great people, great contrast

What a contrast to the head of a 155 year old family firm with shoe repair and key cutting booths in hundreds of supermarkets. Their owner, the great-grandson of the founder, is keeping on all his staff on full pay who, with no customers needing the normal service, are helping the supermarkets by stacking shelves and doing other work.