A Tale of Two ...

 It is both interesting and a little confusing to see how my country and my adopted country are reacting to the increased infection rate of this wretched virus. Neither country is managing it well. The UK seems to be in true headless chicken mode, with today’s newspapers suggesting that the lunatic Christmas relaxation for five days may well be cancelled. There have been more changes of direction in government “policy” than you could ever believe. Lockdown, tiers, new tiers, circuit-break and now new movement to stricter tiers overnight. Heaven help people who try to follow the guidance - although, according to a number of online tabloids - so many people are just not bothering.

Here in Cyprus it has been too little, too late. Now, with strict guidelines, the number of infections is growing exponentially. We see people not wearing masks (and they are compulsory outdoors as well), definitely not keeping their distance and behaving as if this virus is a minor inconvenience. The problem here is that the virus is out of control. Cyprus went from about a thousand cases in May (and then the airports were reopened) to over fifteen thousand cases now. “So what” you might say. The problem is that this island has a small population and so cases per 100,000 of the population are proportionally higher.

Ann reminded me this morning we have been self-isolating for nine months now. We have remained sane and positive. Of course for much of this time we have had glorious weather, the swimming pool has been a godsend, and sitting overlooking the bay with a cold glass of something has made life more than bearable. Our local kiosk has been brilliant with Joanna or Marios delivering food and drink to our door with the minimum of fuss, and a smile on their faces. The cost of delivery? Free.

The western world is focussed on Christmas, and the fear of not having a family celebration is seemingly on a par with the apocalypse. I can understand the emotion after such a year, but are we talking about grown-ups? In any event life will go on, whether that is back to normal or the “new normal”. I hope all visitors to my blog stay safe and enjoy as good a Christmas as circumstances allow.