In this country on Tuesday 23rd March there will be a national day of reflection to mark the anniversary of our first lockdown for the thousands who have lost their lives during the Pandemic. It will include a minute's silence at noon followed by a bell toll. People are also being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8.00pm with torches and candles to signify a "beacon of rememberance".
The Pandemic has dealt a disproportionate blow to different sections of our society. Those who have been able to work from home or in an equally safe environment, are financially secure, live in a warm home and able to put food readily on their table have been very fortunate. Possibly inconvenienced, unable to travel, or visit family and friends etc. but essentially almost untouched by the virus itself.
Others, however, have spent this past year living in overcrowded, difficult conditions, struggling to make ends meet, whilst often burdened with the extra task of trying to homeschool their children.
Many have been forced to risk their lives on a daily basis doing menial jobs in unsafe environments putting both themselves and their families at risk. Essential workers have been out there working daily on the frontline - doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance crews, and all of the many workers who have helped to put food on our tables, deliver our mail, and take away our garbage; We should remember too the many who as a result of the virus are suffering from the debilitating effects of "Long Convid" a condition which is still under investigation.
On March 23rd we should not only remember those who have tradgically died and their families, but all those who have helped to keep so many of us safe over the past year, and last but not least, the scientists who toiled away night and day to deliver us all a truly life-saving vaccine.
This global Pandemic has been and will continue to be a worldwide tragedy. Hopefully, with the help of herd immunity and the vaccine, a time will arrive when the virus will run out of people to infect.
For those who have already received the vaccine it is a life saver, but there is no room for complacency.
What a beautiful idea Rosemary, a day of reflection and remembrance, and thank you for your words describing so well the difficult year of the Pandemic. I just saw on the news the amazing total of vaccines already distributed in the UK and congratulate your country. In Australia is has just started and is happening very slowly as supplies are difficult to source.
ReplyDeleteThe one creditible decision that BoJo appears to have done is to support the scientists who have been researching several of the vaccines both financially and also by placing millions of orders with them from the very beginning.
DeleteIt has indeed been a long struggle, Rosemary, and it is not over yet, not by a long stretch. In Ontario more than 50% of new cases are now of the mutant, more transmissible strains of COVID. Fortunately, Miriam and I are scheduled for our first vaccination this morning so help is on the way! When this all started I never could have imagined that a year later we would still be facing an uphill battle with it. Yet we also have the Covidiots who deny the existence of the pandemic, flaunt the procedures that are essential for the common good, and expose everyone to needless risk. Locally, several fundamentalist churches have been charged with flouting the law, yet they continue to do it, and there are hordes of willing parishioners who flock to their services. Some of these delightful morons were on television recently proclaiming that they are protected by "the blood of Christ" and no harm can befall them. You can be sure that religion will raise its ugly head in any crisis! If they all drop dead I will shed no tears.
ReplyDeleteI am really pleased to learn that you are scheduled to have your vaccine jab. I know that you have been hoping to have it sooner rather than later.
DeleteSadly Covid deniers are worldwide but it is difficult to understand just where they are coming from.
I just heard my neighbour greet a visitor, "Make yourself at home, but you can't come inside!" - he's seven. It's a pity some other people seem to fall short of this basic level of understanding.
ReplyDeleteI like your little neighbours greeting to his visitor.
DeleteA neighbour of mine has had visitors for the whole weekend, something that I dont believe is currently allowable under the lockdown rules.
Hello Rosemary, I can be extra grateful that the virus has not struck hard here. Also, my family in Ohio have all been fine, and most have got their vaccinations by now. Unfortunately, the vaccine has not reached Taiwan yet, and there have been no reliable announcements.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - I have read several articles about Taiwan. I know that they had a really bad experience with the Sars outbreak, and marshalled themselves together quickly at the outbreak of this Pandemic to prevent the virus entering the country. I also imagine that the Taiwanese people are far more compliant at adhering to rules and regulations.
DeleteI am pleased that most of your family have had the vaccine and are well. I suspect that you will need to have the vaccine before you will be able to visit back home, so do hope that doesn't prove to be an obstacle for you.
Dear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, yes, we are the lucky ones. There are so many families and individuals who are suffering so and the worst is that it will not change in the near future.
I'm grateful that I was able to receive my second shot with only slight inconveniences. Had flue-like symptoms for a day. That is all.
Dear Gina - you are right we have been very fortunate. Most of us have been able to ride out the storm, inconvenienced maybe but safe.
DeleteA grim reminder that we are still dealing with the crisis...though I've had both my shots and am even thinking of visiting a locally owned bookstore with my friend who is also post-vaccine. Other younger friends are getting their shots this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI long as you continue with the rules I am sure that you will be safe in a bookstore. I am pleased that you are fully vaccined. The vaccine has been such a huge blessing for us all.
DeleteWell written and heartfelt words regarding the pandemic and recognizing the first responders' unfailing dedication. Rosemary, I'm in agreement that all of us must continue to follow the three W's despite having been vaccinated (we've had #1 & #2 Pfizer jabs) which is very important. Like Gina, the inconvenience for 24 hrs. after the second shot (seems to happen more in women than men) was worth the good feeling I now have regarding feeler a lot safer when I leave home.
ReplyDeleteStay well - be safe - sending hugs.
Mary -
Who would have thought a year ago that we would still be in this situation with seemingly no let up on the horizon as yet. Whatever would it be like if we hadn't got the vaccine so quickly - I dread to imagine. Researching and making a successful vaccine normally takes anything upto 5 years, I am so grateful to those who have literally saved our lives. Love to you bothX
DeleteLike the saying goes, we're all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
ReplyDeleteThat is a particularly appropriate analogy - thanks.
DeleteGlad vaccinations have been rolled out so quickly there. You put it so well about all the people affected.
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky here. Vaccinations have started for frontline workers.
I think that many of the female leaders have proved to be far more astute than their male counterparts.
DeleteMy second dose won't happen for another 2+ weeks but I cannot wait! Is BoJo common in the British press or is that your abreviation, Rosemary? Either way, I will be using it whenever he is again a topic of conversation!
ReplyDeleteI'm heading to the store shortly to buy some lemons for your lemon curd! Last time I tried I didn't like what was available. Hooray for the remembrance planned for the 23rd. Too many are still denying how serious this pandemic is to our population. I have a couple of friends that are in that group. At noon on Pacific Time I will also honor those who have lost their lives.
Dear Mary - Boris has been called many names, but Bojo is the one that I prefer as it seems to suit his personality.
DeleteI am so pleased that you are going to make the lemon curd, and do hope that you enjoy it. I have only one jar left so I will be sorry when it has finished. Don't forget to take it slow and stead when you add the eggs to the lemon mixture over the bain marie and it will gradually turn glossy and thick - enjoy.
Thank you for a timely post. We have not yet had second shots but I am so grateful for what we have had. I will certainly need no prodding to be mindful of those who have suffered.
ReplyDeleteDear Jenny - lots of people are already thinking of jetting off to the sun, but I believe that they are not really considering the consequences. With this Pandemic time is of the essence and even though we have had our jabs there is still a long, long way to go.
DeleteBeautifully written Rosemary. I still can’t wrap my mind around the numbers of lives lost to the horrible virus that is still among us. I wish they would make the vaccine mandatory for everyone, but I know that will never happen. We should all enjoy the beautiful Spring that has popped out all around us and not lose hope.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Janey - let's all enjoy the spring, take good walks in the fresh air, and watch the many different flowers opening around us.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad in a way that first responders are always being praised whether those that deliver our goods, especially the fresh fruits, vegetables and other edibles by truck, are always being overlooked. They work here in the USA every single day, except Christmas and struggle for earning money. Gas prices have increased since January 20 and that will in the end mean that everything we buy will increase in price; due to transport.
Further, there is a rather large influx of new infections from the open-border policy... THAT is scary and very unfair to our own citizens!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette - I fear that there are many items that are going to cost us all much more in the future. It is really important that we should all appreciate those who have put themselves at risk on a daily basis in order to supply us all with our everyday essentials.
DeleteAMEN!
DeleteWisely said.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment William - thanks.
DeleteUnfortunately, it's starting to look like more people are getting fed up with the lockdown rules, chance of new variants etc, not just in the UK, so I can see this stretching over two years even with the vaccine and maybe longer as complacency is always a human default setting over time, thus spreading it more. But I hope I'm wrong.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that you are right.
DeleteWords that really apply worldwide, you said it all perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all is well with you Jane.
DeleteThat is a lovely gesture to 'remember' even though it's so sad.
ReplyDeleteWe hear in Tasmania, Australia have begun administering the vaccine from today. I rang to put our names down but no answer so will do it in due course.
I think that it is very important that the vaccine should be globally available to us all.
DeleteExcellent post Rosemary, you portrayed both sides very well. I didn't know about the 1 minute silence until it was announced when I was in Aldi. I do hope we can soon put an end to the restrictions. I know it's tragic that so many people have died from covid, but I think so many more have suffered from the lockdown restrictions.
ReplyDeleteMy own thoughts are that there is still a long, long road ahead of us.
DeleteThank you, Rosemary, for this post. I was moved in your articulate prose. I’ve been so fortunate, which I can’t thank enough. Herd immunity is still a long way to go in my country. The population of the people aged 65 and above is about 36 million; the whole population is 120 million. On a positive note, Sakura is already in full bloom in Metropolitan area. It will be best next week in Nara. I’m restless but surely go out very carefully. Enjoy your spring.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Dear Yoko - your kind comment has really touched me - thank you.
DeleteI can already picture just how beautiful Nara will be looking over the next few weeks sitting in its clouds of pink and white blossom.
I shall enjoy seeing your lovely photos when it arrives.