Afternoon all.
Just checking in with sense of utter resignation as I catch up with the new numbers and see the increase in lynch mob mentality online. I do get that it's serious and am following the rules and know some people are still being dicks, but it's down to the authorities to police the situation on the street, not for people to berate and intimidate each other when you can't be sure their presence doesn't fall into the essential category.
I'm almost as scared of people around me when I'm out on caring duties from my Mum as I am of the virus now, and I never wanted to feel that way - it feels so sad. I understand the lynch mob mentality is driven by genuine fear and the desire to do the right thing and protect the vulnerable, the NHS and get the lockdown over sooner, but the level of bile and vitriol I have seen is very worrying, and I am concerned that vigilante behaviour might start out of well-intentioned (one would hope) but mis-guided people who have little faith in our authorities.
There was a police presence in our town centre today but I didn't see them challenge anyone, although to be fair most people who were out were alone and observing all the rules. The numbers of beggars and homeless seem to be less and apparently moves are afoot to have them all off the street this weekend, which I am glad about because they are terribly vulnerable, not just to the virus, but as targets for the hardliners.
Today has been a real time observation of how some people are fab and some utterly awful.
I thanked the bus driver and the lady in Tescos for still being there - finally the supermarket staff have masks and gloves and will be getting screens tomorrow.
The social distancing dance around getting on the bus was stilted but fairly good humoured - think four people all deferring to each other to the point of light hysteria - I guess this is the new normal.
Today I had to help my Mum put on her first fentanyl patch - on her shoulder blade - not something she could do for herself. Very tricky not getting it on myself, as I couldn't easily apply it wearing gloves on both hands - got stuck to it with the gloves and then freaked out in case my one ungloved hand may have touched the packet where the drug bit had been - am not high yet so think I'm ok..... am going to ring Mum now and see how she's doing with it. Hoping she doesn't react weirdly or anything...... fingers crossed.
All the best to everyone dealing with this nightmare on any level - may you get some peace and respite at some point xxx