It's been six days since I lost my sense of taste and smell and things have got no better at all. My nose feels extremely sore to touch and although there is a feeling of congestion, it isn't blocked at all; I can breathe through it just fine. Sometimes on occasion, I will get a fleeting whiff of food or something else I have come into contact with, like body spray or perfume, but most of the time, I just can't taste or smell anything. This isn't something I have ever experienced before, and I am feeling quite anxious about if I am honest!

Anosmia (Loss of smell) and dysgeusia (Loss of taste) are both symptoms of Coronavirus, but because they are not the main features, they are not a reason to self-isolate in themselves. I have Indeed been going about my normal daily routine, without much hindrance and these relatively mild symptoms haven't been giving me too much bother. I have however been doing what I can to try to find out more about my current state and speaking to whomever I can, to try to discover if I really do have COVID-19.

Lots of forums and facebook pages have sprung up over the last few weeks, specifically dealing with the subject of anosmia and dysgeusia and those who take part are all suffering from the same symptoms, over the now familiar fourteen-day period. For most, this seems to be the main indication they have Coronavirus and others have a few other minor symptoms, but nothing severe. Everyone like me is confused with Government policy, regarding isolation, because these are not usual COVID-19 symptoms. Public Health England doesn't seem to want to include the loss of senses in their recommendation for isolation, and this could be a major factor in the rapid spread of the disease.

Several friends have also told me they have similar loss of taste and smell and I have been in contact with them on a regular basis. This has helped with my anxiety and stress levels, which are extremely high at the moment and it has given me a firm belief that we are all dealing with the spectre of COVID-19, but without a test none of us can be sure. The Government is rolling out a testing programme from this weekend, but it won't be available to people like me for a while yet, until then we just have to wait and hope that our symptoms don't get too bad. Today I have started to get chest pains, and I am feeling particularly fatigued, so I will continue to monitor my progress as I continue to wrestle, along with everyone else, the difficulties that surround COVID-19!

For the past three days I have been without my sense of taste and smell, which for me is highly unusual; it has never happened in my life, and I am of course worried about it, especially with Coronavirus ravaging the country. After doing a little research on the subject I discovered that it can be a symptom of Coronavirus. This isn't a typical indicator of the disease and so far remains relatively rare.

Waking up this morning, I was troubled that I was still unable to use these senses, but went into work as usual, hoping that by the end of my short shift things would start to improve; no such luck. Perturbed I contacted 111, which was surprisingly quick and painless. I didn't have to wait on the phone and was put through to an operator straight away. The service is very different to what it was and everything is geared towards Coronavirus now, which is understandable and the truth is, I was just glad to talk to someone. My Doctors surgery isn't even contactable any more, they have also moved towards tackling COVID-19; Britain feels strange, alien and like nothing I have ever known, frightening in many respects. This is an emergency like no other, and we are only at the beginning of this crisis!

I explained my symptoms to the operator, who then went and spoke to a colleague. They can be related to Coronavirus, but with the absence of any other signs, I was told to monitor my situation over the next five days, by which time I could experience more usual manifestations and as long as they are mild I should isolate at home. At the moment however, I have been told to go about my normal daily routine. This is of course a little disconcerting and I feel constantly on edge waiting for COVID-19 to hit; not great for a health anxiety sufferer like me, but then all of us are in the same boat at present.

Work also feels weird and the changes introduced to accommodate the Governments emergency measures are stark. There are barriers and barricades protecting staff from the public and colleagues have been moved into more strategic roles in order to help feed the nation. Tesco was also far quieter today than it has been, with people finally listening to the Government and staying at home. Walking to work this morning in the spring sunshine I was struck by how silent the streets were finally. This is every ones last chance to do the right thing and stay at home and let the Government to its job, protecting the NHS and saving lives, that's all we have to do!

We are certainly living in strange times at the moment. Today is my last day off before returning to work and despite my anxieties, I am looking forward to going back tomorrow. Spending five days off, sat at home on my own has been challenging and one I haven't enjoyed. Chances are however I will be spending other significant periods on my own, as Coronavirus takes hold in the UK. Every day we are bombarded with news indicating a further rise in deaths in Britain. Yesterday another 54 people died, and we look like following the same course as Italy, heading towards an abyss that many other countries are now in the middle of.

As social distancing continues, I have taken matters into my own hands today and cut my hair off. My usual barber is closed and I really don't want to go out if I don't need to. At least this way I am doing the right thing and not mixing with the population, which is important for all of us right now. To be perfectly honest I was going bald anyway and it was only a matter of time before I took the plunge and removed my mop and of course it saved me a few quid at a time when all of us are feeling the pinch.

Today I have continued my rampage through Netflix watching various shows I have never seen before, as well as keeping in touch with friends and colleagues both here and abroad. Rarely coming out of my room I am gradually getting myself used to the difficult circumstances we are all facing. I have never been afraid of my own company, so despite climbing the walls on occasion, I am finding this time quite productive and therapeutic. Reading and writing is on my list of priorities, but I am also doing what I can to research and learn about new and interesting topics; things I am interested in but have never got round to exploring. So far so good as they say, but these are early days yet!

Beginning yesterday and today, I have lost all sense of smell and taste. This has never happened to me before and is a very strange feeling. After looking up the symptoms, it is clear it could be a sign I have Coronavirus although more probably an asymptomatic version of it. Of course, you can lose these senses for any number of reasons and this isn't necessarily anything to do with COVID-19. So far I don't have any other issues to report, and I am continuing life as normal after taking advice. Coronavirus is scary, because we have never experienced it before and until this wave runs its course we are very much learning off the cuff. It is natural for most people to become paranoid about symptoms and for everyone we are playing a waiting game, because all of us will get this virus eventually, until then we have to minimise contact with others, and Hope the NHS doesn't become overwhelmed. Stay safe and well, keep in contact, I look forward to hearing from you!

This is the first Mother's Day since I lost my Mum last year, and what a difficult time it is to celebrate for everyone else. We have all been told to socially distance from family and friends and especially avoid going to visit our Mothers at this time. The process of spending even a few moments with anyone close has been banned and frowned upon and as much as we would love to see our parents, we all know it could be the catalyst that brings about their untimely death.

Once again I have been following Government guidelines today and spending time alone at home, with just the television, internet and cats to keep me company. I have had a lot of time to think and remember Mum today, which has been the only upside to this ghastly virus and it makes me realise just how lucky I was to have been brought up by such an inspirational lady. Had Mum been alive today she would have been stoical in the face of adversity and wouldn't have let Coronavirus get her down. I most certainly have a lot to learn from my Mother and am already finding the social distancing hard. As a person, I am social in every respect, so not being able to physically touch or talk to someone is a real burden I am trying to overcome.

Today I have spoken to many people I haven't seen in months and that is helping me to adjust to this new normal. I spoke to Darrell on the phone earlier as well, rather briefly I have to say. I told him to give up smoking, which could be a factor in just how bad one gets this virus. That is a conversation that didn't end well. Darell has never given up cigarettes, even after suffering two lung collapses, so it is doubtful he will now. I can only try to push him into doing the right thing, I can't force him, especially as he lives over ten thousand miles away in Australia.

Usually after the loss of a loved one on celebratory occasions, you can feel very much alone, unable to see your Mother in the flesh, but however, this year I am just one of millions of others around the country who can't see their Mum, and we are all in the same boat. Despite the threat that hangs over us, there are signs of a more United Kingdom on the horizon as we all work together to defeat COVID-19. If there is one thing I learned from Mum over the years, it's to continue to fight in the most extreme circumstances. None of us know where this fight will take us personally, but following advice, doing the right thing, staying at home and thinking of one's Mother from the safety of our four walls, is a great place to begin. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Looking out the window this morning, the sun is shining; you would never believe the country is in crisis. The give away is of course the silence that now engulfs our lives. Outside, the streets around my Aunts house in Fratton are empty, not a soul in site. This is in stark contrast to just a few days ago. By all accounts however there are many more people in town and until the Government closes all aspects of British life down, these irresponsible gatherings will continue. The longer this carries on, the longer we will have to social distance and the longer it will take to get back to normal. Please listen people, it is in all our best interest!

I didn't sleep a wink last night, thinking about events that are always in my thoughts. I am worried sick for the future and my husband and Mother-in-Law in Australia. With Australia now closed, I don't expect to see him for a very long time and fear of the unknown is now commonplace. Even when  I do manage to get a little sleep, I continuously wake up still feeling as anxious as I did when I went to bed. I have increased my dose of anti-anxiety medication and am hoping this step goes some way to alleviating the pressure I feel under. My IBS symptoms have also started getting worse again, after a brief respite. The symptoms in question are also very similar to COVID-19 symptoms, which is of course making me more anxious than ever, it is just a vicious circle that returns day after day!

My Aunt is looking after the Grand kids at my Cousins home now, as all of us follow Government guidelines to socially distance. This is so sad for me, not being able to see the rest of my family, but it is definitely important at the moment. With just the cat and I at home, life can be pretty lonely and solitude does have a habit of making you think more than you should; it is something I will have to get used to pretty quick, as these emergency measures will be in place for a very long time it seems.

The human travesty unfolding across the World is being played out across all networks twenty-four hours a day. Initially I was as hooked as any of us, glued to the TV set as often as I could, today I am avoiding it as much as possible. It can become very easy to get addicted to the Coronavirus coverage and if I am honest, it wasn't doing my sense of well-being any good at all. Most days I feel down and depressed, and I am finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the sudden change in my life. Other people less fortunate than I are also suffering from this virus to differing degrees. The death and destruction across our televisions is becoming all to apparent and sometimes we just need to take a step back towards real life. Being stuck in a room most of the day is really quite debilitating, cabin fever would be an understatement.

Writing my thoughts down in this blog is of course a life saver and allows me to offload  a lot of tension and anger. It must seem as if my words are all doom and gloom at present, but as I get used to this situation, I'm sure I will begin to focus on more positive aspects of life. For now, we all have to get creative and muddle through the next three months or so. Doing what we love most can be a great healer, so if any of you fancy putting words on paper and want to include an entry on Roaming Brit, please feel free. The problems of others are the problems of us all, shared difficulties is a way of helping one another through circumstances way beyond our control. Stay safe and well!

Socially the Coronavirus is having a big impact on the nation. Many countries stopped their citizens socially interacting weeks ago and much of their population are in lockdown at home. Socialising has become a dangerous pastime, one that could quite literally cost you your life. I have been inside for the last three days myself unwilling to go outside for any length of time, not wanting to be around large groups of people. I am following Government advice to the letter as I believe everyone should be. Already Coronavirus is a scourge on society, even though the streets are still full of people. Not socialising with others is going to be hard, but we really must start doing it!

Today I briefly popped into town to get a few provisions. Although many of the shelves were empty, it did feel like the panic had calmed down somewhat. There are social distancing measures in place, and I was able to keep away from people in the queue safely. This is important for all of us, as we try to avoid this deadly virus, especially now, when little is known about it. It does feel odd elbow bumping and foot tapping, rather than kissing on the cheek or shaking hands, but it is a sign of the times, part of the changing social sphere!

On the way home, I went into Cancer Research to say a fond farewell to Zerina and the team. Their network of shops is closing from today for the duration and it seems likely they won't be opening again for sometime. Naturally everyone is concerned about the lack of money for research, but it is the safest thing to do. I have always enjoyed my shifts at this little shop in the heart of Portsmouth and will be sorry to see it go, even for a short period of time. Cancer Research was my social outlet, and I was great friends with many who worked there. I will of course keep in contact through the wonders of social media and with a bit of luck, it won't be too long before we are open again.

Today I was due to go to Gloucester to see old friends Paul and Michelle. I met them whilst living in Spain, two people who did much to help me adjust to my new life in Spain and haven't seen them for quite a while. It is a great sadness to me, that I haven't been able to visit these two lovely people, I was looking forward to seeing them so much after so long. I have rearranged my train ticket for later on in the year and hope I will be able to go in the near future. However, with the situation in Britain the way it is, it is doubtful I will be able to go any time soon. This is yet another social distancing measure, which is changing the way all of us live in Britain and it will continue for a long time, possibly a year or more. I am still very much in shock at what is transpiring right across the World, none of us ever expected anything like this!

Like many people I have been doing my best to try to relax, taking my mind off this unfolding drama. Until recently I haven't watched much television, but today I find myself scrolling through Netflix looking for programmes to watch, which is a total departure from normal life for me at least. Despite my fears and anxieties at this time, I am trying to use my time productively and partaking in a little light entertainment when I can, as I'm sure most of you are. As the days turn to weeks and months, we will all rely more heavily to the internet and television, so it is comforting to know that we can at least continue to enjoy the benefits that connectivity brings; enjoy life even if it has changed out of all comprehension, we are indeed living through historic times!

I've been putting off writing this entry for several days now, I really don't want to keep reliving all things Coronavirus. It is clear Britain is heading into a huge emergency that will last up to two years. The scale of the challenge on our hands is immense, circumstances I have never witnessed in my lifetime. All our lives will change over the next few months in a way we will never forget. The outcome remains uncertain and all of us are nervous as the Coronavirus pandemic begins to take hold. I remain scared and frightened about the future, not only for me but my family and husband on the other side of the World!

I'm in close contact with Darrell, who remains as depressed as I about this virus. This is a time we should be together, not living apart and that makes it hard to deal with. Not having the person you are married to with you during a crisis of this magnitude is an intolerable burden. With all flights in and out of Australia grounded, neither of us know how long it will be before we see each other again, and we are just hoping his visa to live in the UK, does not expire before he returns, that would leave us both in an unprecedented position. For now, we are both OK where we are and just need to stay safe until this finally ends!

Of course this pandemic is bigger than Darrell and I and people are dying all over the globe. This is the biggest threat to public health since the Flu Pandemic in 1918, where between fifty and a hundred million people died, and we are entering uncharted waters. The numbers of deaths have once again gone up today by another 29, predominantly in London and hospitals in the capital are under increasing strain. With all schools closing indefinitely tomorrow, it won't be too long before the government will have to consider locking down London. This virus can not be allowed to become endemic in the whole country. China however seems to have the virus under control, with no new cases locally and Italy is now the epicentre of the outbreak with five hundred people dying yesterday. This is indeed a World problem and something we can not clear up on our own.

When schools close tomorrow, it is likely Coronavirus cases will start to rise, as children mix with the community a lot more. It is up to parents to do the right thing and keep their children at home during this crisis. I understand the difficulties many families will endure, trying to find childcare for their loved ones, whilst juggling their work commitments, trying to pay the mortgage and rent and continuing to put food on the table, but it is so important to stop the virus, before we reach a situation here, that Italy and Spain are now experiencing. Parents are not encouraged to leave their children with grandparents either, the usual port of call, but rather work with friends and neighbours to ensure their children have the best care they can. I have understandably come in for criticism for daring to suggest this, but this is what NHS England recommends, so more lives are not lost.

Working life isn't easy for anyone any the moment. With the British economy all but shut down, people are losing jobs faster than at any other time in History. Airlines are grounded, shops, pubs and restaurants are closed and many thousands of people are being laid off. I am lucky enough to work in a sector that is one of the few doing well at the moment. Working in a supermarket has really brought home the panic that now ravages our country.

Panic buying is now common place as people prepare for the possibility there will be a total lockdown across the country soon. Directly items are put on shelves, they are bought by a twitchy public, storing staples for an uncertain future.

This is a natural reaction to the current crisis we are in, but it isn't rational. If people would only refrain from misguided hysteria, there would be enough for everyone. We are now in the absurd position where some customers, usually older and more vulnerable, can't get enough groceries to survive. The lack of compassion towards others is palpable and supermarkets are now rationing everyday items, unheard of since the Second World War.  Of course the crisis could last for months if not years and all of us have to ensure we play our part in helping to win the war on Coronavirus, anyone of us at any age could be the next victim; this is not just an old peoples disease! Coronavirus respects no one demographic, no class and no border, this is a huge threat to human existence!

In a sign of the times, it was time to say goodbye to Janet, a colleague from Cancer Research who is heading into self isolation for the twelve weeks this weekend recommended by the Government. Like all over seventy-year-olds, including my father who I also spoke to today, Janet will be staying firmly at home for the duration of this pandemic. These are the people we need to protect now, before they also become victims.

This week I have withdrawn from my voluntary position and stopped working at The Newcome Arms, also recommended by the Government. I will only be working my normal shifts at Tesco and will spend the rest of my time isolated away from other people. As someone who remains high risk, I can not afford to ignore the measures asked of us at this time. Yes we are all pulling together to beat this pandemic, but we are also distancing ourselves in order to survive the next few months, the most difficult time in all our lives!

The Coronavirus infection is beginning to bite. One by one, European countries are entering a period of isolation and lockdown, as all their citizens are told not to leave their homes, for fear of spreading or catching the virus. Watching the television, I am shocked and saddened by the scenes I am witnessing. The World seems to be collapsing around us as stretched health services wrestle with large volumes of sick and dying people. The scenes being played out in front of our very eyes are apocalyptic in nature and will soon be repeated on the streets of Britain, as the death toll rises dramatically. News from the continent, which is now the epicentre of the pandemic is changing hour by hour, minute by minute and there appears to be no good news on the horizon. Earlier all Jet2 flights returned to the UK mid-flight as the Spanish government instigated a state of emergency. Spain is heading in the same direction as Italy and will soon become overwhelmed by the mind boggling scale of this human tragedy.

Yesterday I spoke to several friends in Gran Alacant, my old home town in Spain and began to understand just how bad this was about to get for them. My biggest fear for the amazing residents in this urbanization is their age. Many of those I knew, were elderly with complicated medical conditions, that may well be a catalyst for the Coronaviruses worst effects. It seems that this terrible virus takes the weakest in society leaving death in its wake. Our Prime Minister stated yesterday, that many more people will die, and we must expect to see heartbreaking scenes on our television sets within weeks. This is going to be the worst event in all our life times, and we must prepare ourselves for the difficulties to come!

All cities around the World are following a policy of containment, confining their populations inside their homes, preventing unnecessary travel and hoping to keep their citizens safe, until the danger passes. Here in the UK, Boris Johnson is doing the complete opposite and life in Britain is carrying on very much in the same vein as it has before. So far there are no extraordinary measures in place to slow the progress of COVID-19, except to say, people should voluntarily isolate themselves if they exhibit any symptoms. The PM wants sixty percent or more of the population to contract Coronavirus, in order to create conditions where natural immunity would follow as a matter of course. The loss of life that would result from such foolhardiness would be dramatic, possibly over a million in total. Mr Johnson is following the advice of his scientific advisors and leaving all of us exposed to this deadly virus, in a way that nobody else is. This is the actions of a madman and a person who has no empathy for the more vulnerable people in society, who will sadly die as a result of his actions; he already has blood on his hands!

These are dark days for Europe and the World, none of us know how this will pan out. My anxiety levels and mental health is holding up well, but we are only at the beginning of this sorry episode. In a few months time, I may well be in a very different place emotionally and physically. I have health concerns that make me more vulnerable to COVID-19 and coupled with my constant exposure to the public, I am at a much higher risk than most. My hope is that our Prime Minister changes his course of action and supports all of us who need it at this time, rather than exposing us to the dangers this pandemic causes. In time a vaccine will be produced, but not before many lives have been lost, until then we should be kept safe.

The powers that be, never listen to likes of me, so my voice will fall on deaf ears and Mr Johnson's survival of the fittest plan will continue. He cares only for the economy, business and the markets. By keeping Britain open as usual, he hopes to mitigate the economic disaster on the horizon. Instead, he will open the NHS to a sustained human bombardment, like it has never seen before, probably bringing it to its knees and creating a wasteland, like we have never seen before. This is going to be the hardest few months for all of us, lets hope we see each other on the other side!

What a difference a week makes and what a week it has been. The spread of Coronavirus has officially been declared a pandemic and Governments all over the World are scrambling to bring this virus under control. As a layman looking in at this crisis I am lost for words at the scale of this disaster. My pension pot, share portfolio and other financial products have all but collapsed, and I am firmly in a state of limbo, unable to plan for the future or even look a day ahead, let alone a few months down the line when I am due to go on holiday.

Today I had an appointment at my GP surgery, where I was able to talk about my Coronavirus concerns. After explaining I was due to travel to Japan in May, my Doctor advised caution and not to make a firm decision about travelling at this time. My biggest anxiety is the underlying health conditions that I suffer with. As someone who has high blood pressure, I am aware that I am at a higher risk of complications, should I contract COVID-19.

As usual, I have done as much research as I can about how I may be affected, should I get Coronavirus and the information can be quite alarming, especially for an anxious person like me; I am doing my best to step back a bit and try to think a little more positive. My GP was able to reassure me somewhat and explained that this infection was still pretty rare and hoped it wouldn't engulf eighty percent of the population that some experts are predicting. Of course, I am not taking any chances and was able to get extra supplies of medication, should medical supplies be disrupted over the next few weeks, and he was able to reassure me that the surgery will remain open no matter how bad things may get.

I have also been in close contact with Darrell over the last few days, as the situation in Australia also becomes critical. Darrell remains concerned about the implications for his Mother and also travel plans we have made to Asia in May. I have been doing what I can from my end, to try to rearrange plans we have made but it is proving difficult to get clarity on various aspects of the holiday. Presently we are due to fly to Thailand from Japan via Hong Kong and have been informed the Thai authorities will quarantine us for fourteen days on arrival, because we transited through HK. This means we will not be able to take this flight. The flight itself is scheduled to go and the airline Cathay Pacific have no plans to change their itinerary. Clearly none of us want to fly to Thailand only to be interred at the end of our journey, but trying to change this is proving a difficult task.

Speaking to my insurance company earlier, I was told I was no longer covered for anything to do with COVID-19. The underwriters  have inserted a clause that doesn't cover me for the Coronavirus and I find myself with a policy that is totally useless. After spending two hours on the phone I am beginning to get more answers and hopefully will be able to either change or cancel this part of my trip in the future. Nothing seems certain at the moment and information is changing all the time, almost hour by hour and it is likely I will be trying to sort out my travel plans to Asia, up until the day I am due to depart. This is just a headache however and other people are suffering much more during this crisis.

I have never known anything like this, I feel like I am living in a dystopian nightmare. People panic buying every day staples, shops packed to the rafters, before they are told to self isolate and quarantine, as well as sensationalist headlines, which seem to signal a change in all our lives. I suppose I am scared deep down, not for me, although my underlying medical conditions are cause for concern, but for the way all our lives are going to change over the next few months. We are being warned, day after day, that life is going to be hard and expect a rough ride, this is the scariest part of this situation, fear of the unknown. We are being reminded, this is going to be a very difficult time for all of us, but how bad, nobody knows. This is a time for everyone to pull together and despite our personal difficulties with regard to this virus, life will carry on very much in the same way it has before; the World isn't going to end tomorrow!

I was brought up to look out for others and do what I can to help anyone who needs it. I have always done as much as I am able to give other people a sense of self-worth and boost their confidence at times when they are feeling low. First and foremost I am a people person and just want to help if I can. One of the reasons I joined Action For Children as a volunteer in 2010, was to give something back to the community in which I live, by encouraging kids from difficult backgrounds to feel good about themselves and work towards a better future. The role as a Mentor and Advocate was a challenging one, but a position I found rewarding and a benchmark for my future outlook on life.

Living in Portsmouth, I recently bumped into a lady (Mrs F) who needed  someone to talk to. Living opposite my Aunts home in Portsmouth, I try to pop in to make sure she is OK when I can. We are all told to keep an eye out for the older generation, especially when they live alone and I do what I can as a friend and neighbour to help lift her spirits. Everyone deserves to be thought of once in a while, brought a bunch of flowers or made to smile when they are feeling down and chatting to this dear soul is a pleasure, something I enjoy, offering contact with community when it can often be difficult to go outside!

Older people feel lonely and invisible, spending much of their time away from society, confined to their home, especially now with Coronavirus on the rise. Today we are told to isolate the old and vulnerable from the ravages of Covid-19, but it shouldn't stop us from visiting them when we can. I enjoy listening to the stories from an age before I was born and I know Mrs F enjoys our chats also. The wise words and wisdom from senior citizens are  words we can all learn from and Mrs F has much to offer the rest of us.

All of us should take the time to check on elderly friends and neighbours, a friendly face can often mean the difference between a good and bad day. Everyone deserves to be noticed, respected and afforded the courtesy they would give us, if the shoe was on the other foot. Old people matter, they are a link to the past we can ill afford to lose!