S&C contributor and Pompey Politics Podcast host Ian Morris shares his experience of the first 2 days of self-isolation as someone with diabetes, following government advice on 16th March that ‘those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) [should] be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures’.
Tuesday 17th March 2020, Day 2 of 89
On Monday the government strongly suggested that those people with underlying health conditions went into self isolation for 12 weeks starting this weekend. 12 weeks, 84 days plus the 5 this week makes 89 days of social isolation.
How in the name of all that is good and holy am I going to manage that?
The good news is that work is fine, I work for the Guide Dogs as a Senior Strategic Program Manager and work from home most of the time. That said, after working 30 years in factories I found this very tricky to adapt to when I took this role: the house goes silent just after 8 in the morning and it’s then myself, my guide dog Millsey and the cats until around 6pm. To save me chewing the furniture and going mad, I break the day up with strolls out to the gym and take advantage of the offerings of the local cafes in Cosham, but if I am to follow the rules strictly these are now right out.
You might ask me, ‘Why would you not follow the rules, you oaf?’
OK, the question is a touch rude, but I am in the 12 week club due to diabetes. This is kept under control by a combination of medication and regular exercise, so if I go to the gym and take precautions, it helps to keep my diabetes under control and my blood pressure in good nick, but risks me coming into contact with the evil virus.
Whilst the government keeps giving guidance and then revising it, it is clear they can’t give detailed advice about each individual’s personal circumstances. For that we will all have to use the top 2 inches of our heads and decide for ourselves.
Yesterday, I had luckily already been out with the noble Millsey and given him a good dose of exercise.
Tomorrow’s challenge: how to get him out for a good walk and avoid the general public?
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Don’t miss Ian’s self-isolation diary in the coming days, keep an eye out for new pieces here, along with past editions of the Pompey Politics Podcast. How are you managing at the moment? Get in touch with us over on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your experiences and any hints and tips you’re finding helpful right now.
