the reality

[SusieOwl4]

I have just lost my uncle to this virus and my aunt is very ill . they were both in a care home . I am really upset for the care workers . they obviously come in and out and even if they had staff testing then it seems most people are infectious before the symptoms arrive so what can they do? they could test all the staff and they could be negative and then the next day they get infected and bring it in . Same with any front line critical workers . We are all upset about losing my uncle and I don't expect the death will be registered as the virus - but even if it is then what difference will it make? those who want to ignore the lockdown will continue to do so?
Most of all I am annoyed about all the armchair critics who think they know best - even today there are people calling for the lock down to be lifted and then others blaming the government for not cancelling Cheltenham ( even though no one forced anyone to go )and not locking down early enough.The reality is we are in a situation that is extremely difficult for everyone . We need to pull together and "love for scrubs" is a great example . If we cant get PPE because it normally comes from China - then lets make it . Lets pray a reliable test that can be rolled out to millions of people is found and then the vaccine . Trust me care homes are going to be a big problem but I really think the reality is that even if there were enough tests to cover every resident and every care worker because you are infectious before symptoms then this might not even help . So if you do see neighbours flouting the shut down - then please yes be angry because most of us are doing our utmost to give the NHS breathing space .
Please don't comment with political views because in the circumstances I am not really interested . The sadness is above politics and its too easy for every keyboard warrior to become and expert . The whole world is struggling and they all have different political parties ruling each country.

[thatgingergirl]

I am so sorry for your loss of your uncle SusieOwl4 and that your aunt is so ill.

I agree with everything else you've said. We must all do our very best to abide by the regulations and support every effort to find a way through these dreadful times.

[goldpartyhat]

Yes, this whole thing is above politics and the criticism of the government (any government) doing their best in dreadful unchartered waters, isn't helpful.

I wish I could do more but am currently shielding a vulnerable child.

The whole situation is frightening and unsettling.

[NotEverythingIsBlackandwhite]

I am so sorry for your loss, OP, and that you have to worry about your aunt as well. It is an utterly tragic situation.

I totally agree about people not following the rules and people bleating on about politics. It is an unprecedented situation and we all need to follow the rules and accept that politicians of all persuasions are doing their best too. No-one wants people to die.

[Spied]

I don't 'get' the testing either.
An off work care worker isloating with a cough could be tested today, be negative for the virus and go back to work to continue their key role - yet pick the disease up on the bus on the way to work

[SusieOwl4]

I am really worried for my parents as they are not local and have different carers going in ( very good company ) I asked them to move in with us - although we are shielding and it will be logistically very difficult to even get their chairs here and aids . But they refused and my mum said -" if we go we go we have had a food life and we are struggling now with health problems " just made me cry . I cant go and hug them or anything . Its hard - but I am not going to blame anyone .

[SusieOwl4]

@spied I know - and if you think of Italy who have a very good health service - if there was an answer I think they would have tried their best as well . the logistics of repeated testing for front line workers is not easy - everyone said there was two months to prepare - really ? don't they realise that all tests /ppe/medical equipment is very strictly regulated ? And the Trusts have limited suppliers - its just not so easy at all . And care homes are the worst . How can you move vunerable immobile people somewhere else ? And where would you move them ? Its just horrendous .