Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

DR CRG Working in UCC, East Cork

Contributor

DR CRG Working in UCC

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

15 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

I live in Midleton, Co Cork, slightly outside the town, in a quiet residential area, where most of my neighbours are 70 years old or over it. I do have country views in front and behind the house, which is relaxing in this stressful COVID-19 Climate, and makes, I'm sure, staying at home, easier for my children and I.

USUAL LOCATION

Midleton is home for me, I work in Cork City

Q. 1 STAGES

I happened to be in Hong Kong when the Corona virus broke out. Initially, when booking HK, I was concerned about the Protests that were taking place at the time, which were primarily of young people pitted against the encroachment of the Chinese on their civil liberties. I chose to go to HK for the Chinese New Year with a friend, and we were visiting another friend. At this time, the Corona virus broke out. So, whilst there, they cancelled the New Year festivities, for fear of the spread of the virus. They also cancelled cable cars and events that we had planned on attending, like a show in Macao and the horse racing arena. But otherwise, life went on as normal in HK, though we noticed by the end of our week there, everyone was wearing masks. Those who weren't wearing masks were predominately westerners. I wore a mask when in confined spaces, like taking a bus ride. Mostly, though we didn't, but we were mindful to keep our distances from others, although 'social distancing' was not a concept we were familiar with at that time. Before I left HK, my friend who was teaching in HK had been informed that her teaching holiday (Chinese New Year) had been extended, and probably would be extended until February. While we were all delighted for her (an extended holiday as we perceived it), she was not so happy, as they were also informed that their teaching would probably have to transfer online, which would take a lot of extra work, so she was not so happy. But initially she was, until tedium set in.
On the plane back from HK to London, I wore a mask just in case. When in London, we were told our temperatures would be checked (but I don't recall this happening). We flew from London to Cork, no problem. Two weeks later, I was to head to the USA. Next on the Radio 1 news at 7am on Saturday morning I heard that Donald Trump was stopping all flights from China to the USA, and all persons who had travelled to China, excluding HK and Macao. I sighed a huge sigh of relief, but yet, I immediately went online to get my visitor visa to the USA should there be any further restrictions. Just as well I did as the documentation arrived that Thursday and I was flying out first thing Monday morning!
So, this is about 10th February 2020, for work purposes, I flew to NY to the UN. On entry to USA, we were asked if we had recently visited China (excluding HK and Macao). Thankfully, I had not accepted my friend's offer to go over the border to China to a great market-place. As I have no interest in shopping, I declined arguing there were enough places to shop and things to see and do in HK than to queue up at the Chinese border for entry, which I perceived as a waste of a day which could be spent better. Thankfully, my travelling companion Lisa felt the same, and our host agreed. So that was that. This decision was fortuitous as unbeknownst to me then, it would have prevented me on taking my US trip, which I was very much looking forward to, and which turned out to be a huge success. I met many interesting people in the UN during this time including Prince Zain El Hashemite (Iraq Royal Family); U2's lead singer Bono; Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr Mary Robinson; the Irish Ambassador to the USA, her Excellency Geraldine Nason Byrne; Tim Moynahan, the Chair of the Global Virus Network (GVN), which is an offshoot of Dr Robert (Bob) Gallo's Foundation (the scientist who co-discovered the HIV and AIDS virus), and sociably, my wonderful former US J1 visa boss Dr Nathan Weinkranz (dentist) and best of all, my favourite cousin Mark, whom I socialised with whilst there.
At this stage, there was still not much being made of the Corona Virus, except how it was impacting on China and Wuhan. HK, I noticed took radical action from the outset, and seemed to do a good job in stemming the contagion effects. At this time, I had a Chinese friend (former work colleague) working in Wuhan, so I wrote to him asking him how he was. He felt guilt as he had invited his ageing parents to join him in Wuhan for the Chinese New Year, and now, he felt guilt as he unintentionally exposed them to this epidemic (yet to be labelled a pandemic), and they were all in lock-down together. On a more positive note, he was glad of having the extra time with his parents. They were all confined to his small apartment, with permission for one person to leave the apartment each day for food or medicine. I felt that was very draconian. Little did I think at that stage, we would be in for the same thing, or something similar?
When I got back to Ireland, the Corona Virus began to take more centre stage in terms of news items, particularly in relation to how the situation was beginning to transpire in Italy, and eventually Spain and France... people began to get increasingly worried as people began to slowly realise this potentially is more serious that we first imagined it to be. Initially, we saw it as an Asian problem, mostly China. We thought that the HK'ers (Hongkongers) were probably being overly cautious, but respected that while we were there. We did know they had a bad experience of SARS some 20 years earlier, so perhaps were more prepared for the consequences of not taking action on time. We were more casual about it then, not foreseeing how it would rapidly transmit in Europe.
At work, once the WHO proclaimed it was a pandemic, I cancelled my forthcoming seminars. Even at the last seminar, I brought in anti-viral wipes for people to use in the class. I did not want to be responsible for the spread of it in the seminar I organised, especially as it had visiting guests. Following my cancellations, there were a number of other cancellations across the University. Fear was growing palpably. Later that day, the University was shut down by Government decree. Everyone felt that that was the right decision, took in a timely manner.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

My children and I now work from home. My youngest daughter is 12, and in 6th class at primary school. She misses her friends, especially her best friend Kate. However, she quickly adapted to the new situation, and made out a schedule which she sticks to. This included piano practice, creative stuff (mostly baking!), art, drawing; piano and clarinet practice, as well as school work. She was quite content, if missing her friends. My 14 year old eldest daughter prefers to spend the mornings in bed; engages in online classes and Continuous Based Assessment projects and joins me and her younger sister in the evening time for a walk. Overall, we are managing quite well, thankfully! I did not engage in any panic buying including ridiculous buying of toilet roll. (One neighbour was 'giving out' about the panic buying going on, but in the next breath, told me she sent her husband in to buy extra loo-roll, and he bought €70 worth of loo roll which was now safely stored in her attic! Tell me, who spends (or can afford to spend) €70 on toilet roll? I thought that was funny, even if she didn't see the irony of it herself. At the moment, I tend to buy most of my food from the local corner shops and make do with that (rather than queue what could be for hours at local supermarkets due to social distancing regulations). Life is too short for that! In and out.
The novelty (and strangeness) of all of this is now beginning to wear off in what is now week 4 or 5.
The Government are doing a good job. However, the restrictions to 2km are a bit severe. Even HK and Singapore (countries which got the COVID-19 situation well under control) did not restrict movement. Everyone there just kept social distancing, wore masks and wore other protective gear, and they have kept their numbers well under control. It is difficult for the over 70s to continue this level of 'cocooning'. I think it is rather draconian, especially as the cases seem to be predominantly in the Capital and in care homes. I think 70 is young to be confining people, maybe 75 or so, perhaps.
I feel this latest extended restriction is quite severe, but maybe it will all pay off. I hope so.

Q. 3 GROUPS

Yes, I like the Swedish model of light touch government regulation, which again just dialled down on their social activities, public gatherings, etc. but permitted a lower/reduced level of economic activity to continue. I think this probably would have been better for businesses and the economy, whilst maintaining and enforcing social distancing rules and regulations. For instance, hairdressers could be by appointment only, and have only one or two customers at a time - and all have to wear masks or at least the hairdresser has to, for instance. I think to cancel everything is a bit draconian, and will have a devastating and long lasting impact on the economy and people's lives and livelihoods, which we will be paying off for a long time. I also think that Hong Kong and Singapore (where everyone wears masks) but have not enforced a 'lock down' or 'cocooning' like here, and yet, whose numbers are low, have also an ideal model that we could learn from. I think these measures are very difficult and will have a devastating impact on the poorer sectors of society, those dependent on subsistence living, and those who are homeless. Ultimately, we may end up in an even more socially unequal world. The only beneficiary to all of this will be the environment (by default), which the lack of human activity, thus causing carbon emissions (through industry, cars, etc.). At least this is a silver lining. It means the planet gets a chance to breathe and hopefully, rejuvenate and replenish. Here's hoping anyhow.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

‘Social distancing' should be relabelled 'physical distancing' which would describe it better. My WhatsApp is full of jokes, skits and sketches. All are very funny, some extremely witty, and others very clever. Who thinks of these things? Really great to have such wits in the world. Although with all the wall to wall coverage of this Corona Virus, while RTE is doing a good job, I also think our national broadcaster is currently a mouthpiece for the government, without doing any serious questioning of government policy, or the shortfalls of the lack of testing, the lack of reliable data, the fact that people are waiting over 2 weeks which makes their COVID-19 test results almost meaningless (as the opportunities for 'contact tracing' are lost, and most people would have recovered by the time their results are back). I know five people in this category alone (including a close friend and my Uncle). Therefore, I have to rely more on TV3 Virgin Media, BBC and Channel 4, Euro News and France24 to get different perspectives and sometimes, more critical debates. Between the National radio and broadcaster (RTE which I love), it is good to get other viewpoints, and also, to get away from the incessant nature of this pandemic which has spread fear and created a lot of discord and discontent on the airwaves at times (and has given rise to a lot of idiotic discussions, and people's unrealistic and imaginary fears getting too much airtime). While we all appreciate this virus is deadly, but people are becoming paranoid, parochial and xenophobic as a result of this fear, often, I hate to say it, which can be media-driven and propelled. Yes, we all have an appetite for this at the moment, when it was all new and fresh, trying to become more informed and knowledgeable, but now, we are getting sick of it... It is becoming a bit like Brexit – on-going and never ending. One has to switch off, and forget and distract, and amuse oneself with Netflix, books, exercise, or whatever.
One good aspect in all of this is that social media has been adopted and adapted by the older generations who are now finally engaging more with the technology. Why? Because of necessity. As we can't visit our loved ones, we can 'Face Time', ring on the mobile, or via iPads, etc. So, it has ushered a whole new generation of luddites into the modern era, for their own benefit, and finally, some - though not all - can see and learn to appreciate some advances in technology (including myself), as I now too have to work remotely, and am using Skype, Zoom and Teams more as social and work platforms in which to progress my work.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Everybody is saying 'these are strange times we are living in'. That is a very common expression. While it is not like a war situation (like Syria), we have shelter, food security, fresh running water, electricity, etc. etc. we have just been deprived of our social and civil liberties for a short period of time for the greater public good. I hope the government do not take too many liberties away, and expect people to live in a police state for too long. This will backfire if people feel it's becoming more political than necessary. The government need to account for their actions with real data and proper evidence. Yes, impose a certain number of precautionary measures, but these must be measured carefully. Not control for the sake of it. Otherwise, all the good will and heroic efforts made by the Irish people to date will backfire and be resented. Our healthcare workers are doing a Trojan job. They need the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure their own safety and that of their loved ones. It is clear, Ireland - unlike Germany - was not prepared for this ('unprecedented) event, but nevertheless, like Germany, it could have been anticipated.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I don't like feeling grounded. I am however, an extremely positive person, so I always look for that silver lining (it's my natural disposition). So, I am hoping to fill this time with reading, relaxing, reflecting, contacting and checking in on friends/neighbours, etc. And catching up with all the things I put on the long finger, including paperwork, house-keeping and especially spring cleaning, etc. Also, I get to spend more quality time with my children This is something I'm enjoying very much. While it is not always easy (with moody teenagers, etc.). Still, I will not get this time back again. Therefore, I am treasuring it.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

It might reduce mindless consumerism, and assist the world replenish its natural resources. This would be a good and positive outcome. The environment will be the (default) big beneficiary of this viral pandemic. I have already written extensively in the local newspaper about the importance of a) having a community spirit and b) of shopping locally. These things are and will continue to be hugely important in getting our lives back together again.

Q. 10 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

My house is now full of baking (I have my children week on, week off, as I share access with my ex). So, I must ensure I keep up a level of fitness in order to stave off those extra pounds. On a more positive note, my dogs have never had so many walks, and are really happy with this new regime. Nor have they seen so much of us. There is always a silver lining. I think this time might force people to stop and consider what really matters in life; to slow down, and to smell the roses!

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

It definitely has brought community closer together. Without a doubt. People caring for others, especially elderly, or relatives. The hardest bit is not being able to hug my own mother, whom I visit every day, or twice a day, on her doorstep. We must all protect our vulnerable elders. This was especially hard on Mother's Day this year, not being able to give her a hug or a kiss. We gave her virtual ones, charade ones, and acted it out. Needless to say, it was not the same, even if it was funny. We are consoled only by knowing it is for a greater good. My kids love their nana too, so they also visit with me when we are all together. Thankfully, the weather has been amazing. Blue skies and sunshine most days, which have helped us get through this terrible period. The sunshine always lifts ones spirits. If it were dark, wet and dreary, how much more difficult would it be for families, especially those in confined spaces. I think we have to take viruses more seriously, and be better prepared in the future (like HK or Singapore were, but that was because of their experience with SARS, etc.). I also think masks are the key, but that was not promoted in the West, I believe, in order to reserve such equipment for medical staff (which is fair enough). But don't feed us some bullshit debates about how they may not be effective, etc. at this time. HK and Singapore know better (even if people wore scarves or any material that covered the mouth, it would assist). I think this aspect was underplayed and ignored. That is why there was such an emphasis on social distancing, to have the same/similar impact. When all of this is over, there will be a lot of questions that will have to be answered (which may never be, but I hope there will be a lot of questions asked. I also hope that we will learn from this experience. Be prepared for the future. And transform our practices (working from home, less commuting, softer on the environment, less consumerism, more social consciousness about global inequality and of course, environmental sustainability). That would be a good outcome. We have an opportunity to address these issues now, whether we will take them or not, will be another story... I sincerely hope so.

age

36-50

gender

Female