What can I add?

I have thought long and hard about blogging, with the COVID19 pandemic circling the world. I grieve at the news from countries I have visited and loved, and always have to keep an eye on what is happening in my homeland - the UK.

I watch the news broadcasts and YouTube videos of (in the main) younger Britons behaving badly in foreign lands. They congregate and get drunk, they disobey the rules of the country they are in - and bring shame on the rest of us. London and the big cities are under the spotlight and I watch with incredulity at the behaviour of (mainly) young people who are acting as if this is all some sort of game.

Panic buying seems to be a particularly British phenomenon. The long queues from early in the morning, the storming of the supermarkets and the stupid, inane, stockpiling going on beggars belief. I can see martial law, and rationing, and a host of other draconian restrictions being imposed by a “liberal” Tory government. And these people will have brought this on themselves.

Cyprus remains calm, with the government closing our borders, all flights have stopped and everyone has had a text message from the Ministry of Health forbidding unnecessary travel. Almost everything has closed down and only essential stores remain open - supermarkets, kiosks, petrol stations, pharmacies and business selling takeaway food which can be delivered. Self-help groups have sprung up all over the place, pledging to deliver food and medication to those who should not or cannot leave home.

What have we done? Nine days ago we decided to self-isolate for the sake of our health. We shopped well but sensibly (no shortages here), and locked our gates. We had to let our lovely Filipino cleaner go, but have maintained our pool man. We leave the house to collect medication and to buy fresh vegetables, milk and other essentials. We are isolated of course and it is easier to be content with our lovely house, garden and pool (once we get to May). For the rest we have always been happiest with each other’s company, but miss our friends and social life.

I can’t see matters improving until this time next year at the earliest and trust you all remain safe and well.