‘Omicron’. That’s the latest. Heard of it? A new strain of the COVID virus that is rather good at spreading, apparently. Where is it? Abroad, at the moment. What are we doing about it? Flights from half-a-dozen African countries were suspended today while the government sorts out hotel quarantine for incoming travellers. Ay up – it’s on its way, then!!
The World Health Organisation has recognised the new variant as ‘of concern’. Scientists are worried. Their advice is to wear a mask. Here’s a sample of what they are saying, but with my emphasis:
‘Please please wear masks. This new COVID-19 variant of concern is really worrying.‘ Doctor Julia Grace Patterson, Chief Exec of Every Doctor UK.
‘Omicron is airborne and is more transmissable than Delta. We all need better-fitting, high-filtration masks, worn indoors (especially on public transport).’ Trisha Greenhalgh, Professor of Primary Care, Oxford.
‘Please don’t be stressed out about the new variant. We’re still waiting on more info & same steps to avoid COVID. Get vaccinated (& boosted), if you’re going to social/work events ask that everyone has done a negative home test (LFT), & wear masks in crowded/indoor spaces.‘ Professor Devi Sridhar, Professor & Chair of Global Public Heath, Edinburgh Medical School.
OK, that’s it. Just thought I’d flag that up since few people are wearing masks now, and it looks like we might need ’em a bit more than we thought. Not that I am obsessed, you understand, but still……better to look silly and be safe than sorry, don’t you think?
Spread the word on masks. Don’t spread COVID.
Now that I’ve got all that off my chest, on to today….. another wonderful one. I was keen to be up and about this morning because we were looking forward to my cousin, Janet, coming over for lunch. She was scheduled to play table-tennis with the U3A at the local Methodist Church Hall this afternoon, so it seemed sensible to have a little get-together beforehand.
It was delightful. Janet is such easy company that the conversation just flowed between all three of us. John particularly enjoys her company and was in his element. No fear of there being a stilted conversation when I am out of the room. Just so relaxing.
We had a light lunch of jacket potatoes for a change, which went down a treat. We haven’t done that in a while so it made a really nice change to enjoy wholesome food in good company.
I do so enjoy entertaining guests, relaxing together and laughing alongside each other. Laughter is such a good medicine that we always feel tons better for having exercised the giggle-box and thus lightening the load. As always, grateful for the enjoyment, whenever and wherever we can get it.
The uplift in spirits across lunchtime helped me sail through the ironing this afternoon and on into the evening, before both John and I both thought we would make our way up the wooden hill. We are both tired – but, I have to say, my sleep pattern has been improved so far by the black-out blinds in our room. Hallelujah!
Hang on to your hats though, folks, as the East Wind doth blow this weekend. It’s going to be corker with Storm Arwen, the first storm to be named in the 21/22 season, making her way across the northeast in particular and bringing severe gales and a red weather warning for that area. It will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings.
I had a look out of our attic window tonight to gauge what was happening here, and was delighted to see that, although it’s raining, it’s all calm so far, with the Christmas Lights twinkling away after this evening’s ‘Switch On’. Ahhh….. Christmas is coming!
In the meantime, just to offer you a COVID sandwich: 50,091 people tested positive for the virus today; 160 people died in the community; 730 were admitted to hospital; 56 people died in hospitals in the last 48 hours.
And for fun, but with that very serious side, Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is now one of my favourites to say:
‘Quockerwodger’ (19th century): a toy puppet; one whose strings are pulled entirely by someone else.
Hehe.
Take care everyone. Sending love to, and prayers for, every single one of you. God bless.
And, if you are so inclined, spare some positive vibes or prayers for John, please. He’s got a dodgy hip and knee now, as well as the breathing difficulties…… going to get on to the doctor/specialists next week – we like to keep them busy.