Covid-19 Lockdown Day 1 26 Mar 2020

Since 11:59 last night, New Zealand has been on lockdown. The only places we can go by car are the supermarket or to get medical attention. It's a coolish autumn day here; the days are definitely drawing in so even at 7:30am it isn't quite light. Looking across the road, I could see Kelly already hard at work in her home office. It was a slow morning: the shower is clean, biscuits have been baked. My bubble buddy went out on his bike and noted the number of people talking across streets to each other.

Lunch is therefore a little later too, finished in time to hear the latest statistical update. There are now 283 cases. Today a number of travellers showing symptoms have been put into quarantine in Auckland, and 160 others have been helped by police to find a place to self-isolate. It is disappointing to hear that some businesses have decided they are "essential services" and are still operating. Others locally, like Milk and More and Victoria Gardens, somehow don't fit the criteria in spite of delivering a range of food products. I'd rather have my fruit and vegetable delivered; to know that they had been touched by one or two sets of hands probably gloved rather than the germ-laden hands of fellow supermarket shoppers.

Similarly, it's also disappointing that despite there being plenty to go around, Pharmac has to restrict drugs being dispensed. There is also news that businesses are applying for and getting the wage subsidy, but failing to hand it on to their staff or expecting them to take annual leave or sick leave when they are not unwell.

Amidst all this doom and gloom, there is positive news. The Christchurch Mosque shooter has decided to plead guilty to all charges including terrorism. There is a collective sigh of relief that the Muslim community won't be re-victimised by having the case go through the courts.

An afternoon walk out in the fresh air showed how many people were in lockdown. I walk most days and rarely see a soul. Today I probably greeted 8 people and had conversations with at least four others. In spite of being locked down, perhaps it will make people slow down and consider what is really important.




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