Coronavirus diary, Friday 31 July

Care homes - the most controversial subject in the pandemic crisis -  has gathered impetus as an issue with a scathing parliamentary report criticising the government.

The cross party Public Accounts Committee condemned the discharging of elderly hospital patients in England without Covid-19 testing into care homes as 'reckless'.

They went further, calling it 'an appalling error'.

The situation with care homes in England had clearly been an emerging problem, according to official advice before it was belatedly changed, it said.

Meg Hillier, the committee chairman, said there was a long term  lack of understanding of the potential care homes problem. 

Lack of central control and the division  of responsibilities between the  NHS, local government and private and not for profit homes had compounded the problems, the report concluded.

It had squandered the opportunity to 'build up supplies of PPE -personal protection equipment - in January and February, and changed the guidance to care homes forty times, leading to confusion.

It  had over promised and under delivered, further exacerbating the situation.

The Financial Times said that by the government's inconsistency and at times negligence, care homes had effectively been 'thrown to the wolves'. 

The government's response was that  it had been 'working  closely with the sector'.

The committee has called on the government to review the situation in September. 

The total number of deaths in Wales to mid July was 2,501, with Cardiff the highest at 381. 

The total in Wales care homes was 826, just over 20% of all coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus diary, Thursday 30 July

Coronavirus has taken over our lives. Omnipresent, inescapable. 

We live and breathe it. And the media's obsession with it strengthens. 

Almost all my life I have been a news addict, either reporting it or following it via the media. Reporting and communication methods have changed enormously. Not for the better.

Whatever happened to news?

It goes back to my first day as a reporter on the Penarth Times in 1942, which I wrote about here a few days ago. 

The editor gave me my first lesson about news gathering - get out and find it, it won't come to you in the office. 

Today the practice is exactly the opposite. Reporters seem to be chained to their desks, or to their mobile phones, iPads and laptops. 

Not only is the style of reporting different, so is the number and variety of stories. 

Looking back at local and national newspapers many years ago, there was an infinite variety, from the dramatic front pages to the human interest stories from towns and villages throughout the country.

In one edition of Cardiff's then flourishing paper, the South Wales Echo, I counted 89 stories in nine news pages. Today's edition will probably feature two or three, with huge headlines.

It is no surprise, with the constant 24 hour flow of news - information mostly these days - that the Echo is down to a skeleton of what it was in my day.

The Echo is threatened with closure, like the South Wales Argus for which I worked for some news, which has sacked nearly half its staff.

Weekly papers have fared even worse, with hundreds closing.

The days of the local editor who, like his paper, was at the heart of the community, has long gone. 

Almost all the local papers in Britain, as with the nationals, are now owned by two vast groups, as impersonal as the news they convey. National television is as bad, with the pandemic dominating their non-stop news flow. 

For the past three days, the Spain holiday quarantine chaos has been the main daily story. Yes, reporters have been out and about around Europe but just on this one story.

And the health correspondents have worked tirelessly keeping us up to the minute on the pandemic. 

Even our 'local' programmes, which used to feature a whole range of stories, are transfixed by coronavirus.

I know I am biased, and probably out of date, but I would like to see and read more real news stories. 

As I say, whatever happened to news? 

Coronavirus diary, Wednesday 29 July

Every day we are swamped with statistics marking the deadly march of coronavirus across the world.

Too much for us to take in but more than enough to instil fear, and drastic action by governments.

The figures still mount day by day.

Here is a snapshot of the hold the pandemic has on us.

The global picture:

15,785644 cases, 640,008 deaths.

In one day the toll has risen by 74,000 in the USA, 55,000 in Brazil, 48,000 in India. 

China, where it all started, just 179 new cases.

Here in the UK the total number of cases is touching 300,000, 45,472 deaths.

In Wales, 1,485 deaths have been recorded.

The UK has fared badly so far; third highest death toll after Brazil and the USA with an even worse record, the highest proportion of deaths per population.

The good news is that generally the rate of cases and deaths has dropped steadily, allowing governments to ease restrictions and try to get life and economies back on track. No deaths in Wales for days now.

But that is not the end of the story, with local and area outbreaks - the so called second wave? - in many countries.

Governments and the public have to be vigilant and careful if the progress made against the virus is to continue.

And what of the overall picture. What is the risk of catching or dying  from coronavirus?

Actually, very slim. I make it one 20,000. 

I am no mathematician and I may be wrong. 

How did I work that out? The total world  population is 7.5 billion.

Coronavirus has killed 640,000.

Try the sum. See if you agree.

According to statisticians, the chance of being killed in a road accident in Britain in any one year is 1 in 11,000, but, almost unbelievably, the chance in a lifetime is just 1 in 270.

Something to think about.

Coronavirus diary, Tuesday 28 July

Life has become livelier, more entertaining this week for people in Wales. After months weeks of lockdown we can get out and enjoy ourselves - apart from oldies like me.

First Minister Mark Drakeford decided it was safe to lift a whole raft of restrictions.

So what can you do?  

If you're feeling energetic, what about a walk along the lovely Wales coastal path - there are 870 miles - or through country woods, a visit to Snowdon - watch out for the parking, restricted following recent chaos when hundreds of cars blocked the roads.

You can now drive anywhere so you may want to go back to your favourite seaside resort. They will certainly be glad to see  you, especially if you take a break or holiday there.
You can choose between camping, caravan site, modest B&Bs or luxury hotels,

You can enjoy attractions as varied as funfairs, pleasure arcades - I used to love spending a handful of tuppences - museums and art galleries.

If you are adventurous you can go underground at a coal mine or down caves (check they are open). 

Keen to get fit? There's swimming - outdoor and indoor pools -  tennis, soccer, golf and playing or watching cricket - Glamorgan play Somerset in the first game of the season.

The cinemas are open again but probably few theatres because of the space restrictions.

Your hairdresser or barber will be delighted to spruce you up and beauty parlours are open again.Tattoo artists are back in action.

You are probably already enjoying proper shopping and, unlike England, not having to be masked.

You can worship at your church but not sing hymns, and you will be disappointed if you are a singer that choirs are still silenced.

If you want to get away from it all overseas you have a problem. It will be a gamble.

After naming scores of countries considered safe to travel to the government decided at the drop of a hat to wreck the holiday plans of millions who have chosen Spain.

Memories... Bob's late wife, Rosemary, in Palma, Majorca

Those already there will have to go into quarantine for two weeks when they return. Every day thousands more are cancelling bookings.

Bob with his granddaughters, Majorca, 30 years ago

The government is standing by its decision, citing outbreaks in parts of the mainland, but public and tourist industry pressure over the sudden blanket ban - the Spanish islands are seen as safe but covered by the quarantine - may lead to change another U turn.

Bob, sister Dorothy and Rosemary, mainland Spain

Almost a full life again and more restrictions may go soon - Mr Drakeford may give us some more good news later this week about pubs and clubs.

What a relief. 

But there is still the warning. Coronavirus has not gone away as shown by recent outbreaks in some towns.

So make the most of the new found freedom. Long may it last.

Coronavirus diary, Monday 27 July

International news has dominated the media over the past week, briefly eclipsing the coronavirus saga. 

Worrying stories of growing rifts between the UK, Russia and China.

The government withheld for months a report by the Intelligence and Security Committee on Russian influence on Britain, including the EU referendum. 

Boris Johnson feared the report would reflect badly on him and his government. He was right. It said the government had badly underestimated the Russian threat and had 'taken their eye off the ball', concentrating on the Brexit campaign.

The squabble with China is over their increasing involvement in the advanced 5G communication system, seen as a serious threat to security.

Following President Trump's lead, the prime minister has acted by winding down China's role.  

Two issues that could have a huge influence in our life. But does the public, the long quoted, 'man in the street' - now, no doubt, 'the  person in the street'  - care or worry? Is it all too remote? I doubt it. 

And it's back to coronavirus for the reason.

After the hardship and monotony of lockdown, people want to to enjoy life again. The summer is fading fast and they are determined to make the most of it.

While the majority are playing safe by holidaying in Britain, many thousands could not wait to fly to their favourite destinations, including Spain. When restrictions were lifted a matter of days ago they were off. 

But today many are regretting it.

New outbreaks in Spain have led to the government's immediate decision to reapply restrictions. People holidaying in Spain will have to self isolate for two weeks on their return home. 

The government was following its own guidelines but the suddenness of the decision has shocked the sunseekers and the aviation industry. 

Thousands of people booked to fly out over the weekend decided to cancel, for two  reasons -  the quarantine rule and the loss of insurance cover.

There was the inevitable accusation of government incompetence. 

Shambolic decision, says the opposition.

I wonder what Mr Shapps, the Transport Minister, on his getaway break - in Spain - thinks of it?  

Coronavirus diary, Sunday 26 July

The first day in work is one of the most important milestones in your life.

Sadly, with Britain in a dire financial state, millions of young people may have to wait a long time, years maybe, for the experience. 

It made me realise how fortunate I have been, having enjoyed a long - over fifty years - working life.

I clearly remember the excitement that dull November day when it started.

At sixteen, after a war-time stop-and-start education - four moves in as many years - I left Cardiff High School to embark on my career, heartened  by the headmaster's note, 'Skinner should do well in journalism'.

After a one penny tram ride from Cathays into Cardiff I caught the push and pull saddle tank steam train for the thirteen minute ride to  Penarth - it takes nearly twice as long today.

Then, a five minute walk to Times House, a misnomer for the surprisingly small Penarth Times.

I was introduced to the workforce - all six of them - the three Pickford brothers, the owners, and two young women who served in the shop, took advertisements and generally ran the place.

There was no 'newsroom', I had a tiny space above the print room. The editor, 'Mr Herbert' had just a few words of advice: 'You won't find news in the office, Mr Skinner. Get out around the town'.

He handed me a small black contacts book - a reporter's bible - with names and addresses of everyone who could provide information, and my diary. The first entry was, 'inquests, police station 2pm'.

I spent the morning walking around the quiet town. It was 1942, war time, and the pier was closed.

I called at the police station (that become a daily ritual), and I had a one-shilling lunch at the  council-run wartime British Restaurant in the Windsor Arcade.

Then off to my first reporting job - two inquests. Two abortion 
cases. An eye opening experience for a naive sixteen year old.

I reported scores of inquests over the following years and found them sad affairs, made even more harrowing for the families by the newspaper reports.

Back at the office, in my eyrie, I wrote my first story, and more deflated than enthusiastic, I left the office, caught the 5.15 train back to Penarth and the normality of home.

A memorable first day at work.

Coronavirus diary, Saturday 25 July

Coronavirus is having a devastating effect on people and countries throughout the world.

It may be defeated in a year or two but its effect on nations and their governments could be fundamental.

This applies to the UK where it has already strengthened Scotland's determination to break away and become independent.

The United Kingdom was formed 313 years ago when the Acts of Union were passed by the English and Scottish parliaments, ratifying the 1706 Treaty of Union.

That was then: the no campaign celebrates, September 2014

The union has become increasingly strained in recent years,  leading to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, with 55% against breaking away, 44% in favour. 

Now, coronavirus, notably the Boris Johnson's handling of the crisis, has acted as a spur to Scottish hopes, expectations, of that long awaited freedom.

If that were to happen, might the other two nations want to follow the same path? 

That seems unlikely for economic reasons and because their flame of nationalism burns less brightly.

Uncanny and canny: Johnson and Sturgeon

The threat of a break is real and urgent enough for Mr Johnson to travel to Scotland this week to talk to Nicola Sturgeon, the unassailable, canny leader of the Scottish National Party. 

With Scottish parliament elections looming next May and the possibility of further strengthening of Sturgeon's position, Mr Johnson may find it impossible to stop another referendum.
During his visit he said there would be no referendum.

He spoke of the 'incredible strength' of the union and the benefits it brought Scotland - £4.6 billion to fight coronavirus and the latest support, £59 million over ten years for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

His view is not shared by Mrs Sturgeon and, according to the latest polls, more than half the Scottish people. 

Mrs Sturgeon aid she welcomed the prime minister's visit as it emphasised the key factor in the move to independence - 'the ability to take our own decisions and taking us down a path we haven't chosen'.

By Peter Schrank, The Times

If he is to save the day for England and the union he will have to prove a much bolder, better leader than he has done since his election victory.

His position has been  made even more difficult by the increasing possibility of his failure to make a Brexit deal with Europe. 

Mr Johnson must be a worried man.

Coronavirus diary, Friday 24 July

We have three new residents at Sunrise, the first since lockdown, but we will have to wait to greet them until they are safely settled in.

Although they have been passed as virus free they have to be isolated for a week.

Sunrise, as usual, has strictly followed the rules. Our newcomers will appreciate this - and 'room service' is excellent! 

Sunrise is relieved to be able to accept new residents. Like all care homes, this substantial group, which has homes in the UK and the USA, has had a worrying time, looking after its residents and staff. 

The  pandemic has added enormous pressure on the home care system which has been struggling for years.

Many homes, local government and private, have closed due to  staffing problems, rising costs and government cutbacks - with local authorities funding cut by half in ten years. 

Now the system has to get back on is feet.

The government, recognising the past and present problems, have provided billions in aid, but the answer is the long promised reform of social care. That could take years.

The immediate task is to restore the reputation of care homes. Public reaction to their recently launched campaign  so far is encouraging.

It is not only care homes that are an essential part of social care; retirement homes have become increasingly popular in recent years.

They offer an attractive alternative, providing greater  independence and a wider social life in the community.

Perhaps more important is to give more people the chance to stay in their own homes as long as possible, probably cheaper in the long run.

All of this costs money, but considering approaching £300 billion is being spent on saving jobs and the economy, looking after our old people as they deserve must be worth it.

Coronavirus diary, Thursday 23 July

A lovely mid summer day. A day for the beach or countryside.
But not if you are old and live in a home.

Room with a view: Cyncoed Road

Looking out of my window onto Cyncoed Road I watch cars passing, people cycling and jogging, going where they want when  they want.

I can't drive out on my scooter to join them.

I am not complaining, though. I am fortunate to be in Sunrise, comfortable, well cared for and safe.

The garden beckons

Today I enjoyed a trip on the scooter in the lovely, extensive Sunrise grounds.

Bob on his scooter

I sat in the warm sunshine, chatting with residents, admiring the colourful floral display. 

The garden 

I am patient. I know better days are ahead, when I will be driving down to Roath Park and to the shops in Albany Road
And, better still, having my family and friends to tea in my flat.  

Nature's colours on a summer day

Coronavirus diary, Wednesday 22 July

Britain has to face the fact  that face masks can help defeat coronavirus.

While hundreds of countries recognise this and make their wearing compulsory, Britain is still unsure although the prime minister has finally decided to extend mask wearing to shops in England from 24 July. It has been compulsory for travel in public transport in England for weeks. 

First Minister Mark Drakeford has made it plain that he is not convinced, holding back from extending the rules to Wales.

The penalty in England for failing to obey them is £100, halved if paid within fourteen days.


Not everyone has to be masked. Children under 11 and people with breathing, hearing and other health problems are exempt which can make enforcement difficult.

So what are the advantages?

According to the World Heath Organisation they reduce the risk of infection from droplets caused by exhaled breath  including sneezes and coughs. Masks, preferably three ply, should not conceal the eyes. 

Non woven ones are better than woven types, they advise, as they are lighter, cheaper to make and more effective.

With most of the world accepting the need, there is a huge and diverse market. Masks are comparatively easy to produce and many people make their own.

Millions are buying them online and the fashion conscious have a huge choice in styles and designs which would conform to the advice from the WHO.

Mini mask!

My granddaughter Siân, a Mini car enthusiast for many years, has a multi-coloured one featuring, yes, Minis.

Coronavirus diary, Tuesday 21 July

What a topsy-turvy world we live in.

A world of contradictions, inequalities and, above all, uncertainties. We just don't know where we are going.

And we cannot blame coronavirus for all the trials and tribulations. Just look at world affairs.

Nationalism, racism, intolerance, mistrust, enmity and global threats, revealed every day.

If coronavirus has not been the trigger that has caused our world to turn upside down it has had a massive impact, intensifying the problems and causing the crippling uncertainty.

While we are mildly celebrating the return to more normal life - there have been no deaths recorded in Wales for several  days - the pandemic is causing havoc across the world.

People are dying in their thousands in the USA, Mexico and Brazil. Flare ups - part of the threatened second wave? - have shocked France, Italy and Spain out of their growing complacency.

Yesterday's announcement of successful Oxford \University trials of a new vaccine have been hailed with ecstatic Vaccine for Christmas press headlines. But will it work?

The BBC soberly reports, 'It is a safe immune system, early tests show', going on to explain that it could take months to have it cleared for use. Uncertainty again.

The race to find the anti coronavirus virus is almost a game with countries competing to be the first.  Russia is even being accused of trying to steal the British vaccine!

Hedging their bets, the British government, as a precaution, has ordered millions of doses, hoping we will be the early winner.

Then, with Britain all but bankrupt, it announced today an above inflation pay rise for public sector workers.

Well deserved, but wise when millions are losing their jobs or facing lower wages?

Just some examples, some evidence why our world is topsy-turvy or, to use the dictionary definition, 'in a state of confusion'.

Coronavirus diary, Monday 20 July

Rosemary, Robert and Beverley, Christmas, 1970

Looking forward to Christmas is one of life's pleasures and the prime minister is encouraging us to do so this year despite coronavirus.

We all hope his optimism is justified and that the normality he predicted is realised.

I know I will  enjoy it after my experience last year, my first at Sunrise. As with everything, they are great organisers.

We will have our Christmas tree dominating the foyer, lavish decorations, very special meals, games and gifts.

We all have memories of past Christmases and at 94 - my birthday is in November -  I have so many. 

Too many to recall in detail, happy, family affairs. 

They got even better as the years passed, with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren adding to the joy.

The first Christmases I remember were when we came to Cardiff from London to join my mother's large family, the Dymonds.

We had great parties in one of my uncle's home just up the road in Cyncoed from where I live now.

After we moved to Cardiff in 1941 there were family get 
togethers  over the years in Cardiff, Braydon in Wiltshire with Beverley and the Wildeboers and Chalfont St Giles in 
Buckinghamshire with Robert and Karen's family.

One, in Penarth with Rosemary's parents, was abandoned when we had to turn back to our home in Caerphilly due to snow.

A white Christmas was rare - we had one in London in 1970.

Whatever our age, one of the thrills of Christmas is presents. 

As children we cling on to our belief until disillusion comes.
I vividly remember, in the 1920s when my brother, sister and I would wake up early to find bulging pillow cases at the end of our beds.

We would excitedly try to work our from the shapes the  treasures inside. 'I've got a football' I cried one year.
Fifty years later Rosemary was led out of our house to find her  present on the drive - a car bedecked with ribbon. Far from new but polished and ready to go.

Bob with 2 year old Ria, Christmas 1984

Newborn Ben with Rosemary and Bob, Christmas 1989

The ultimate presents for the family were Christmas babies, my grandson Ben and great-granddaughter Rosa. 

We learned of Rosa's arrival from an email sent by Beverley when Rosemary and I were on a cruise in the Caribbean.

Owen's first Christmas, 2008

The saddest Christmas was 1942 when my father, Frank, died, 52. His funeral was on Christmas Eve. 

But my mother Gwen was able to enjoy another fifty Christmases with her large family.

Christmas 2020 will be like no other but, we hope will be a happy - and healthy - one  for all to enjoy.

Coronavirus diary, Sunday 19 July

After months in a black tunnel we have at last emerged, blinking, into the light. But it is not full steam ahead. We don't know what  is along the track; perhaps another tunnel.

That is likely, according to advice from government advisers,  academics and scientists, with their modelling systems, who provide regular short and long term 'forecasts'.

The latest is a warning of a possible 130,000 more coronavirus deaths. In April we were told there could be 200,000. That was their most pessimistic forecast - the worst case scenario, always  certain to make the headlines.

An interesting word, forecast. 

Nostradamus

It describes an activity that goes back hundreds of years.
The most famous proponent was a Frenchman, Marcel Nostradamus who wrote a book, Les Prophéties in 1555, 
since when it has been been in print almost continuously.

Better known these days is Francis Moore's Old Moores Almanack, first published in Britain in 1697.

You can buy the 2020 edition for a mere £2.99.

There have been soothsayers, prophets, for centuries, dispensing their wisdom.

Remember the gypsy fortune tellers in fairground booths? 
And the man with the walrus moustache and top hat who paraded the streets with poster boards proclaiming The end of the world is nigh?

These days predicting the future is a more serious business. Weather forecasting, for example, now a major feature in  television and radio programmes around he world. 
That started in 650BC with the study of cloud patterns and astrology.

Today the Met Office employs the latest techniques and satellites but admits long term forecasting is difficult.

Forecasting has come a long way since Nostradamus but I am still not convinced of its reliability.

Back to coronavirus - the 200,000 and 130,000 deaths worst case scenario.

I hope they have got it wrong.

Coronavirus diary, Saturday 18 July

In his first speech as prime minister eight months ago Boris Johnson pledged to solve a problem that governments have shied away from for over twenty ears - social care. He could not have been more definite.

'My job is to protect you or your parents or grandparents from the fear of having to sell your home to pay for the cost of care', he said.

'I am announcing that we will  fix this crisis in social care once and for all, with a clear plan we have prepared to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve'.

Since then, not a word. He has had coronavirus to contend with. 

With costs of that battle reaching astronomical figures, fixing social services will be a herculean task. It is vital that it is not shelved yet again.

The pandemic has cruelly exposed failings that have been obvious for years, exacerbated by the worsening economy. Of the services covered by social services, care for the elderly is a top priority, demonstrated by the tragic events involving care homes.

Elderly people must have that security and dignity which Mr Johnson has promised. But how will it be achieved?

Whatever his prepared plan involves, I hope Britain has  studied how other countries look after their people, from children to the elderly.

Germany, for example. Our family friends in Germany have been telling us how their system works, and it is impressive.
Twenty five years ago their social care system was in a far worse state than ours.

Reunification presented a huge problem and challenge with enormous cost but they succeeded. It took years.

A report by the Nuffield Trust last year explained how it was achieved and what Britain could learn from it. The German LGTI - Long Term Care Insurance system - involves mandatory contributions based on income and is strictly controlled and ring-fenced. 

When costs rise, the government puts more money in. In Germany more people prefer to have care in their own home and the government provides cash. to help pay for it. 

The system is not problem free, says the report. Although carers are better qualified than in England they are still poorly paid and the system relies heavily on recruiting staff from other countries.

The report points out that to produce a workable, sustainable social care plan, strong political leadership and cross party support is essential.

Local government plays a pivotal part in Germany's system and it must be the same in Britain where it has been crippled by cuts - its funding halved between 2000 and 2010.

Getting the public to believe in it and  back it is vital. They must be happy with it and convinced that it is straightforward, fair, well presented and explained.

Britain's economy will take years to recover from the pandemic and the long term threat of coronavirus emphasises the importance of the reform. The country must find the will and the resources to make it happen.

Coronavirus diary, Friday 17 July

Jobs, jobs, jobs! Mr Sunak's battle cry has taken on an almost hysterical note following further sombre economic news.

In just three months, March to June, the lockdown has resulted in the loss of 650,000 jobs, according to the Office for National Statistics.

And their statistics could scarcely be worse:  

• 2.6 million claiming credit;
• 47,000 young people out of work;
• Fewer jobs available than in the 1930s.

The British Chambers of Commerce reports that 29% of businesses expect to cut jobs in the next three months. Young people face a bleak future. Thousands who have given up looking for work face years 'on the dole'.

The Jarrow marchers, 1936

It is an echo of the depression of the thirties when the jobless and hopeless unemployed resorted to pathetic marches.
Their pleas for jobs and food went unheard. This must not happen again. 

The next six months will be crucial. 

No one knows what will happen when the furlough scheme that has created a respite ends in the autumn, but it is clear that many more thousands of jobs will disappear. The statistics will get even worse.

Mr Sunak's £30 billion save and create jobs programme must succeed or Britain will struggle for many years.

The lucky ones may still enjoy life but there will be millions whose lives have been wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.