Restless in a time of Coronavirus

One of our new goat overlords.

Humans are a social animal (even though they don't seem to like each other that much). Yes, even me, so if I'm getting a bit fed up with self-isolation, those sociable, gregarious types must be going stir-crazy. The whole world is pretty much in lockdown now.

Of all the things I thought I would experience in my life, a pandemic wasn't on any list. Just knowing what is going on out there, even if I haven't been personally affected, just wears you down, psychically. The other night I turned on the news and 30 minutes later had a screaming headache. I'm tired a lot, even though I'm sleeping well and not doing as much as usual. And even though I am a teetotaller, I have really, really felt like a drink. Every news bulletin is focused mainly on the pandemic. Other stories are being overlooked which may or may not be good. For example, Antarctica has experienced its first heatwave on record, which just adds to the whole end-of-days vibe.

However, it will not last forever (the pandemic that is - not so sure about the end-of-days vibe) and there are still lighter notes to mention such as the Aussie-est caption for a story about one of the many cruise ships stranded outside ports (very happy with my decision to not be that keen on cruises btw). Well, being stuck on a cruise ship far from home would be bad but one of them is near Fremantle, in Perth.  The passengers will be allowed to disembark but will have to stay at the famous Rottnest Island (not a bad place to be put in quarantine I might add).  The caption for the news report was "Rona Iso on Rotto".  I imagine anyone not from Australia would wonder what language that was in.

But the progress of Covid-19 is terrible. Based on the John Hopkins University Coronavirus map, the current worldwide death toll is around 5% and the number of cases is heading to 900,000.  Italy has been hardest hit, with over 100,000 cases and of those, over 10% have died.  Spain has about 95,000 cases with just under 10% dying. Not to be outdone, though, is the United States which has 189,000 cases.  Four thousand have died and it is just getting started and we've all heard scary stories about the US medical system. The US President has an infantile ego and is questioning whether the states really needs all those respirators. He tweeted about the high ratings for his press conference (after New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo's daily updates were widely praised). I wish I was making that up.

In Australia there are signs that the self-isolating and social distancing is working and the curve is being flattened. The Australian government eventually figured out it was serious and is doing a better job but there have been missteps (mainly with blame-games about those pesky cruises, again, and complicated instructions).  Sometimes I pretend I'm Canadian or a Kiwi, so I can look to Justin Trudeau or Jacinda Ardern for reassurance (okay, mainly Justin Trudeau - he's sporting a beard now and looks quite dashing). There are many Australian stranded overseas and, true to form, the Consulates are doing not much at all. Something all Australians should be told before they go overseas is that if you get in trouble in another country, the consulate staff can be relied on to listen sympathetically and then explain your predicament back to you. Well, they might bring you a toothbrush, as well.

Other things you don't expect during a pandemic is having allergies. It is vexing. I did ascertain early that the sniffles is not a symptom but every time I cough, I'm filled with a little bit of dread. Despite the fact I am sequestered at home, have minimal contact with people and wash my hands constantly. If I have a headache (which is possible if I've just watched the news) when I cough, I'll take my temperature as well. Or I'll walk around smelling stuff, to make sure my sense of smell is still working (losing taste/smell is one of the symptoms). I feel like I should make a sign to hold up saying "Don't worry - it's allergies!" if I cough or sneeze in public.

If you really need a lift, look up the Goats of Llandudno, in Wales.  They are having a perfectly lovely time. And remember, we'll be allowed out again, eventually.