Out of control ...

 As each day passes the number of infections rises in Cyprus, and a drive to Polis this morning was most instructive. Masks, indoors and out, seem to be optional extras - especially amongst the young. At the supermarket the anti-bacterial bottle was empty and, when I pointed it out to a member of staff, they seemed to be somewhat irritated. Social distancing - forget it. Cafés full to bursting (doesn’t anybody work on a Monday), and a general disinterest in trying to combat the spread of the virus.

Is it any wonder that cases are rising exponentially here? The old “Trumpian” excuse is bandied about. People actually use the excuse that the more tests you do, the more infections you find. Of course. Now think back to why people are being tested. It is to find as many people who are infected and then get them to self-isolate, which will stop them infecting others. Hardly rocket science, I don’t think.

We are not sitting back, feeling smug. To read the forums, and some Facebook pages, all retired expat pensioners don’t care about others who have to make a living. In our ninth year living in Cyprus we worry for the people and the future of the economy. 

The British press are wallowing in the reopening of hospitality venues. I was appalled by the behaviour and mob mentality of the “revellers” and “drinkers”, as they are called, towards the police, who were trying to enforce the unenforceable. One poor PC was mocked and ridiculed by the crowd as he tried to break up a trio who were openly disobeying the guidance. Where are the promised extra 20,000 policemen that Boris promised? One lonely policeman ... ignore and ridicule. Thirty big “coppers” another matter altogether. 

I don’t want to promote a police state but the way in which these mobs behave after drinking far too much is beyond the pale. Am I turning into a grumpy old man? I don’t think so. I would just like them to behave as they are expected to. With the mob mentality and widespread stabbings in certain areas, the UK is not a place I would wish to return to.