Another long break in posting, and in this crazy time in which we are living, very little excuse, given that I have barely left the house in the last couple of months or so. For a lot of the time it is difficult to know exactly what to say. For blog posterity purposes, over the last couple of months the Covid-19 pandemic has taken over a large proportion of the world. As of today's writing, there are 4.5 million confirmed cases around the world and just over 300,000 confirmed deaths. Both figures are likely to significantly underestimate the reality due to difficulties in testing and reporting. The worst hit country is the USA, followed by a number of European countries including the UK, Italy, Spain and France. These countries, and many others, have implemented a variety of 'lockdown' measures in which people have been confined to their homes, and businesses and public services have been shut down, the only exceptions being critical services (healthcare, food retail and supply etc.). As well as the terrible human cost, the impact on economies has been dramatic, and central governments have put in measures to support businesses and individuals in a variety of ways. Despite these measures, economies have shrunk and people's livelihood's are at risk as well as their health. As a result, governments are looking for signs that we may be over the worst of the outbreak and are trying to find ways to start easing restrictions and opening up economies to avoid further financial damage. However, the concern is that this is a delicate balancing act - too much easing too soon risks an increase in infections and more people dying.
On a personal note, we have been extremely fortunate compared to many. I have been able to work from home, and whilst we have no way of knowing whether any of us have had the virus (there is a possibility that Jake, and maybe others, might have had a mild case in the very early stage, but there is no way of knowing for sure until testing is very much more widespread), no-one has been significantly unwell. We continue to send all our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to our loved ones who are either in more 'vulnerable' categories, or continuing to be out and about far more than we are in 'key worker' roles.
There - I have at least managed to restart. Maybe some lighter posting on life in lockdown in the days and weeks to come.