What better way to forget, even for a few moments, the current health crisis besetting most of the world (could one have ever imagined that such a thing would have struck during our lifetime?) than to pore over one’s photographs from the past.

I could continue keeping a pandemic blog but this time I want to think of the freedoms we have temporarily lost: for example, the freedom to walk, without providing any excuse, in London’s parks. Brockwell Park near where I used to live, with its lovely flower gardens and its lido, one of the largest anywhere, was closed last week-end. The reason given was one of social distancing  – preventing contact at less than two meters from one another. True, it’s difficult when one is in a park and meets up with friends to avoid social contact. However, there is a very narrow margin between prevention of infection rules and the police state. In totalitarian countries it has often been the case to prevent any unauthorised gathering for fear of protests.

We should be enjoying spring and looking forwards to the Easter period. How sad it is that our enjoyment has had to be limited. However, it is tactically necessary and is not a sinister plot to enslave us. We are sacrificing our freedom in order to help our National Health Service staff and volunteers cope with the crisis. If anyone wants to know what it’s like to be at the front line as a nurse or doctor one needs no further than looking at the reports of someone who recently sold me a very playable piano: Colette Marie, resident of Bagni di Lucca, Ponte a Serraglio and professional nurse, has been letting us know through her FB page, something of what it’s like to be there:

First, some of her reflections on how life has changed in the UK, or should change:

“I’m allowed to do a run, one walk or one exercise a day. Have to stay at home. A bad instruction? Nope, first time in my life I’ve been given permission to lie in, chill out, and look after myself. All done well…heh off the treadmill for a few weeks.

If you don’t look after yourself, sad as no one else will do it. Police here asking people politely, ‘Where are you going’ and why, why bother, cut out the unnecessary insecurities. The message needs to be clear, direct as it saves lives. If you want a life ….stop buggering about, it’s just a break from lunacy, plastic and competing.

Boris please be more authoritative. Tell people straight, and stop pussyfooting about. (My comment: I think he’s got the message more fully now that he’s been admitted into hospital – OMG in intensive care now!). It’s about to peak moving west. The NHS is scared stiff. So the public should feel scared. Stick to the rules. I went out looking for masks and thin surgical gloves….guess what, none in shops. If you want us to help your citizens on front line. Where can I get the necessary uniform?
And who will give it to nurses like me. Apparently in 2 weeks we will have it.

Govt. must feel desperate to have to ask for volunteers. So they don’t need training, can do their bit….emmm how many will be infected then then?”

Now more about the virus itself:

“Trump’s latest. Politicians, queens, kings, presidents (like him!!!). Apparently couldn’t be seen (and it wouldn’t be the done thing to be seen) in a mask !!!!!!! What a capitalist statement.

This viral predator takes no prisoners, does not show interest in your self-importance, your hair cut or your bank balance. It could be in your nose now, in the neighbours walking past. Respiration means hot damp air is exhaled. It lives in moisture, if you are carrying it and you don’t know you are, the spray of your moisture at 2 meters may be contained in the mask much more than if you blast it 2 meters into the air. The recipient walking past can avoid inhalation (well less easily with their mask on) vice versa, double attempt at a barrier between you and them.

It’s not bullet proof but it’s preventative. These important kings (with their gold skulls) could try and not influence the public when it opposes prevention.“

Now some comments about Colette’s professional experience:

“Florence wards in the 80s (I was on them wearing hats, capes, aprons on Victorian wards) great for patient observation, those govt. (hasn’t been prepared plus discouraged their use) are now rebuilding. The matron in the 80s would have his guts for garters, we were expected to have a mask, double gloves, plastic shoe covers, sanitizer, theatre gowns and goggles (on the general wards) if infections were active.

We were proud of our infection rates and were always mindful of pandemic management. How sad it is that he (Trump) is allowed to open his mouth. I can only say protect yourself and protect others to the best of your ability. I’m saddened that the world invites him to comment on it or others who encourage him too. Perhaps important people could have a gold mask? With orange faces on”.

More on life as a nurse on the crisis front line:

“60 hrs. Completed now of hard graft, one more tonight 72 hrs..12 on 12 off….and we have to stomach his self-righteous waffle. I know lots of us like to hear our own voice on FB. Just finished 7 x 12 on 12 off hrs. Taking some time off, feel wrecked. Bit shaky, less heroic than my ego believes I am.

Thanks soooooo much all your wishes, lessened my fears when I needed to step up and perform. Got through it. No energy at mo.
Hope to god the light at the end of the tunnel comes quick. I nursed legionnaires in the 80s loosing medical staff because of ventilation systems. Nursed HIV hepatitis and more. But not knowing what this bugger will do has been very very worrying for us all (my emphasis). Felt it for the patients really struggling in side wards, acting like acute care beds in a community hospital. Harder in many ways due to environment.

Enjoyed enforcing safety the night team. X god bless and lots of love kindness does work as a motivator. No more drama from me for a while.in bed with my water bottle, I’m that tired I’m frozen.”

Keep up the good work Col, we’re all behind you! In fact, every Thursday at 8 pm it’s become a custom on our streets to publicly applaud the NHS for the effort they are putting into saving lives. What could I do to help? Stay at home, of course!

In the meanwhile, I’ll probably have to miss out on the wonderful wild daffodils of one of my favourite London open spaces, Lesnes Abbey Woods. Will I be challenged by plod if they find me there?

To make up for at least one walk I’ll posting here some pictures from the woods taken in spring 2005.