Well it was only a matter of time before I caught COVID once again, and today I am self-isolating, after testing positive for Coronavirus. I had been suffering from a tickly throat for a couple of days, just a niggly annoyance if I am honest, but due to the nature of my work, I was testing daily; each time, my lateral flow test was coming back negative. Not feeling too unwell, I carried on as normal, bought a tickly throat medicine and ate copious amounts of lozenges. Oddly, nothing was helping, and the mild symptoms just lingered and lingered. All the time, I continued to test every day, just to be sure, there was nothing going on.

This week, on Saturday, I was due to have a procedure in hospital, so it was important that I remained as safe as I could, constantly testing, social distancing and wearing a mask. Every time, the results came back negative, and I felt confident to prepare for hospital. However, on Monday this week, Darrell tested positive for COVID and I instinctively knew there was something wrong.

The new lateral flow kits only have swabs long enough for the nasal cavity. After quickly looking online and taking advice, I was told to try and swab the back of my throat as well as my nose, even though this isn't standard practice. Low and behold, I tested positive within seconds and immediately informed work.

The rules on self-isolation have changed recently and despite my COVID-19 app initially telling me to quarantine for eleven days, it was only a guide to how long I would have to separate myself from the World. The new rules state that if I take a lateral flow test on day five and six, and they are both negative, I can return to work. I would need two negative results over two consecutive days, then my period of isolation would end immediately.

Today is my fifth day, according to 'Track and Trace' who phoned me this morning, informing me I probably caught COVID between the 14th and 18th of January. My guess is, they determined this after I did a PCR test yesterday, but I can't be certain. The gentleman on the phone asked me all the standard questions about whom I had been in contact with. He assured me, that even if I am still testing positive on the day I return to work, it would be safe to do so, since I would no longer be infectious.

I am aware that a PCR investigation is no longer required, if you test positive on a lateral flow. However, in order to make sure I was actually infected with the virus, I wanted to do the more reliable laboratory analysis, especially after registering negative LFT's.

Yesterday morning I walked the short distance to the testing site and the temporary Portakabins, erected in the old Sainsbury car park on Commercial Road, Portsmouth, and did the test. Last night I received the news, I was positive and should continue to stay at home.

Tuesday was a particularly busy day, as I had to rearrange hospital appointments, thankfully with only a week delay. The lady on the phone was extremely helpful, even informing me I would not have to do a PCR test before attending my appointment. Initially, confused, I questioned this, only to be told, it wasn't necessary. Apparently, even though I would be free of Coronavirus on the day of my admission, I would still probably test positive on a PCR test. I would be able to bypass this element of my hospital stay and just attend at the new appointment time.

With both Darrell and I self-isolating together, we are catching up on some much-needed sleep and rest. I am unsure which strain of Coronavirus I have, but the symptoms are extremely mild. I suppose I feel a little more tired than usual, and I have a tickly throat, coughing on occasion, but nothing more than that. If I am honest, I have had worse colds; the way I feel at the moment, is like nothing I have experienced before. In many respects I feel like a charlatan having to self-isolate, but I do understand the reasons why.

If I hadn't had my vaccinations and booster, I can guarantee I would be feeling a lot worse. Yes, I do feel out of sorts, but nothing bad or unable to cope with. By staying away from  people I am protecting others, but I am not sure it is entirely appropriate to quarantine for such a long time, especially when, like most people, I have to work for a living. Nevertheless, all of us do need to support the most vulnerable in society; if anyone in an at risk category caught Coronavirus, they may not be as lucky as me.

Today, I feel completely different to the first time I had to self-isolate with COVID symptoms, back in March 2020. Back then I lost my sense of taste and smell and isolated for seven days. I did have a few days when I wasn't feeling great, but nothing too concerning; this time, I feel like I have a very mild cold! Also, the anxiety, worry, and stress I suffered with back in 2020 is no longer there, as I just wait for the day I am able to return to work.

All being well, I should be out and about again on 31st January and in hospital on 8th February for my rescheduled appointment. Darrell and I are at least able to spend some valuable time together, despite being ill. As Coronavirus becomes endemic in Britain, there will be more times I will have to self-isolate I'm sure, unless, of course, the rules are changed once again. The hope is, life will return to normal and all of us will just have to live with the virus, making our own personal judgements on who to be in close contact with. The only concern I have, is the possible discovery of yet another new variant, that is more dangerous than Delta or Omicron, and we return to lockdowns and shutdowns. If things remain as they are, then hopefully we can learn to live alongside COVID and use our own common sense, showing respect for friends, family, and colleagues when we have to and enjoying life as we did in 2018. I pray it's the beginning of the end for self-isolation and I never, never have to do it again!

It's Friday, not a day I usually blog, because I am normally beavering away at work by now, however this week, once again, I am self Isolating. Yesterday I received yet another message from 'Track and Trace,' to isolate, after coming into contact with someone who has reported they have Coronavirus symptoms. I've lost count how many times I have had to do this now, but it must be about three or four. Yes it is tiresome, inconvenient and exasperating, but unlike others, I understand the importance of doing it. It was interesting to see on the news last night, that around twenty-eight thousand  people are actually ignoring the notifications and carrying on as normal. Why, just why would you? If you have the app on your phone, follow it and do the right thing for Christ’s sake, it is your civic duty.

As usual, I have no idea how or why I came into contact with whoever this person is, but I have a good idea. When I am working, I am protected from the general public by a perspex shield, so there is no need to have my 'Track and Trace' app turned on. In fact the service have told me to turn it off. Nevertheless, I did have a Hospital Appointment on the day I would have been exposed, so this could be the reason why I am isolating yet again. Like everyone else I will never know who gave my details and I will remain in the dark, which is probably a good thing.

I do have concern about the timings involved. I received a message yesterday to isolate for five days, which means If I did have COVID-19, I would have been walking around for five days, following my usual routine, not knowing I could have been passing on this deadly virus. One can only assume the person who reported symptoms, didn't do so soon enough or the results of the test came through later than one would have expected. It is so important people are notified quickly, to stop the spread; this is the second time I have had a very short quarantine period, which says something is going wrong with the system. Let's hope that the Government gets its act together and of course the public actually follow the rules and report symptoms as soon as they get them!

On a positive note, it is great to see the UK's vaccination programme really ramping up. When I listened to the news yesterday, ten and a half million people had already received their first dose of the vaccine. This is great news; the sooner all of us are immunised, the quicker we will get back to normal. The crucial thing is, everyone who is offered a jab, takes the jab. I am sick and tired of the conspiracy theories and the anti-vaxxers. These people know nothing about this virus and its impact on families and need to take a long hard look at themselves. Their views are abhorrent and wrong and deserve no air time. Shocking scenes of these people storming hospital wards, accusing health care professionals of 'murder' is beyond comprehension, It highlights the odious lack of understanding and education. It is an appalling indictment on a small, yet vocal minority of the population, that mistakenly believe this virus is a hoax, it just makes me want to cry!

One piece of news I did find a little hard to stomach this week, was Europe's reaction to our Vaccination programme. Predictably, they slammed our efforts, implying we were taking risks with peoples lives, having not tested the vaccines properly. At one stage they threatened Britain with a hard Northern Irish border, trying to divert valuable medicines to the European Union. The vindictive nature of their behaviour, trying to restrict the amount of vaccine made in the EU, travelling to the UK, because we had actually ordered and secured batches three months before, beggars belief. They were willing to disrupt supply to those who needed it most, in order to save face. It is their bureaucracy that has delayed their immunisation programme; it has nothing to do with us. Luckily they backed down at the last minute as Europe invariably does. My love hate relationship with Europe has once again been tested. Having reversed my stance on Brexit, I was once again brought to boiling point, by Europe's actions. Their conduct is the reason I voted to leave, this just creates more negativity, when we should all be working together.

This week we saw the death of a hero, the superstar of this pandemic, an ex serviceman, Knight of the Realm and champion of the National Health Service. Sadly Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised thirty-nine million pounds for NHS charities died of Pneumonia and Coronavirus, succumbing to the disease, he had fought against throughout 2020. This man, who in his 99th year, walked a hundred laps of his garden, raising millions, was a loss that's hard to countenance.

Sir Tom was the constant in all our lives last year; his positive outlook, cheerful disposition and stoicism in the face of tragedy carried all of us through the worst of the pandemic. This national treasure was an inspiration during dark times, a man who encouraged many to raise yet more money for charities up and down the country and was known throughout the World for his efforts. Losing this gentle soul in his 100th year, was a tragic day for everyone with an ounce of empathy and compassion. His loss will be felt by all of us, especially his family and those who knew him best.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Sir Toms family at this sad time and hope his legacy will live on, long after the pandemic has gone. It is people like him that epitomise the plucky British spirit, sense of duty and strength in the face of adversity. A man unknown just a year ago, rose to the challenges of a virus, that could have taken his life at any stage and became a living, breathing hero, who none of us will forget. The man of the moment will forever live in the hearts of a nation who needed his courage, in order to face the challenges ahead. His achievements will always be remembered, in death as they were in life.

I did manage to speak to Darrell briefly over the last few days and he is phoning me every day whilst I am self isolating. To be honest it is the only time we actually get to talk more often. Having to lock myself away for a week isn't ideal, but it does give me a little bit of 'me' time that I wouldn't otherwise have.

Darrell has also been isolating this week, not because of possible contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, but because Western Australia entered a brief total lockdown. A security guard, tested positive for the more deadly UK strain and had been working several jobs, bringing him into contact with many different people. The authorities there were understandably concerned about a potential outbreak and immediately did the right thing, closing the state.

Darrell was unsurprisingly frustrated; unlike us Brits, he isn't used to the mandatory mask wearing and rule adherence. When I phoned him today, he told me they had come out of lockdown, after everyone who had come into contact with the virus had tested negative. Once again I can't fault Australia for their quick reaction to a situation, that could have so quickly got out of hand and once again Darrell and Mum can breathe a sigh of relief.

Bush fires have also been raging in Western Australia, just 2 km from where we used to live in Ellenbrook. Of course this isn't entirely unusual, but their proximity to the city is and is also a concern for Darrell and the residents who live there.

Wherever you are in the World at the moment, there does seem to be an overbearing number of problems and disturbances to deal with - COVID, wildfires, political unrest in Burma, famine in Africa and the after effects of Brexit. All of these issues seem to indicate a time of turbulence, that I haven't really witnessed in my lifetime. As a planet we have enjoyed prosperity and progress up to now and enjoyed a relatively peaceful period, free from the unrest and turmoil of the past. 2020 has shown us, fate is always round the corner waiting to rear its ugly head and all of us should prepare for the worst. My generation had become too complacent, it's time all of us woke up to the challenges, that will dominate all our lives from now on.

So, I have another four days of self-isolation to go before I can get back to work, which is going to drive me bonkers once again. I am taking the opportunity to catch up on some reading, blogging and sorting out by IBS symptoms. Today I am fasting for twenty-four hours, which always helps to reset my stomach. Already the pain has subsided, as I just drink green tea and water, and although I am feeling a bit dizzy and tired, I am at least enjoying the benefits of a pain free day.

I'm not really sure why fasting helps, but from what I believe it is about giving the stomach time to rest, without having to process any food; whatever the reasons, it seems to work for me. At a time when all of us should be thinking about our own personal well-being, exercising, eating healthily and doing whatever we can to avoid the terrible effects of Coronavirus, should we be unfortunate to contract it, it is important for me at least to look after my digestive system. When my tummy feels good, so do I. If I can only lower my stress levels as well, I should hopefully weather the storm until it is my turn to be vaccinated, until then it will be more of the same - isolating, mask wearing, social distancing and sanitizing one's hands. Nothing lasts forever and like all of you, I long for the day life returns to normal; stay safe everyone, stay safe!

Well what a strange Christmas this has been. We were lucky enough to have been able to spend time with my Cousin Rachel and the kids, who are in our social bubble, but sadly we haven't been able to see anyone else. Christmas is of course for children, so it was lovely to see their faces light up on Christmas Day opening their presents. As a unit we spent quality time with each other, at a time of great anxiety and fear. Others were not quite so lucky.

Due to my Brother self-isolating, my father was unable to travel from his Tier 2 home to see him over Christmas. Sadly Dad had to spend the festive season alone, although with his home moving into Tier 4 on Boxing Day, it did seem he wouldn't have been able to drive there in any case. The rules are so long and confusing now, many of us, including me are just confused about the whole thing, but carrying on as best we can under the most extreme circumstances.

I managed to take a video call with my Father on Christmas morning, where we toasted family. We also remembered those who died and chatted about politics, as we always do. Dad managed to cook himself a Christmas meal, as well as having a few glasses of wine. He seemed relaxed, although looked rather sad, at being on his own this Christmas. There are of course many people in his position this year, I just hope next year, things will be very different.

Suitably fed, we played party games, watched some television and listened to music. If it wasn't for COVID, one could be forgiven for believing we are living in normal times. A rude awakening would change that tomorrow and reality would come knocking at the door!

On Boxing Day, as I sat watching the television, I received a message from 'Track and Trace' informing me that I had been in contact with someone who had Coronavirus and I should immediately quarantine myself, for a period of six days. It seems I came into contact with them on 22nd December. At first, I was rather confused why I hadn't been given a ten-day period of self-isolation, but realised, the app took account of when the infected person first reported symptoms; one of the great failures in this system. This was a shock to me; I am however extremely careful around people these days, so hope I will be fine, by the time I return to work on Friday.

It is rather unnerving when you receive that message, so much information to process, emails and text messages go back and forth, online forms to fill in and people to contact. It really is part of life now, as all of us come to terms with the new mutant COVID strain that is quickly running through the population. I will most certainly be wearing my mask at all times, inside and out and hope you will to.

Christmas has highlighted the importance of family in all our lives. Not being close to the people you love, just makes the burden of 2020 that much harder to bear. Understanding we will all see each other again and these terrible times won't last forever, is a great way to stay positive and look forward to better, productive and joyous times.

Please stay safe everyone!

Having to stay at the garden gate, while my Aunt stood on the doorstep and I  waved from the upstairs window was the amount of contact we had today, on my little Cousin Lennon's Birthday. Family and friends can only be seen from a distance if at all and everyone has to continue practising social distancing, remaining at least two metres apart at all times. I haven't seen anyone in my family, apart from my Aunt for about four weeks now, so it was wonderful seeing Lennon, Cerisa and baby Rosie, even if it was from afar. This really does reinforce the stark reality of life at the moment and the unusual times we are living in. Cousin Emmy, whose Birthday it was yesterday, also came over briefly, to drop some much-needed supplies off outside, before quickly leaving again. This may well be my last day in quarantine, after acquiring COVID-19 symptoms, but my Aunt will still be in isolation for another seven days yet!

More than anything, I am just feeling tired. I have been feeling under the weather since 23rd March, when I lost my sense of taste and smell and although my other symptoms came on later, I haven't been able to function properly for a long time. At least I have been able to use these last seven days as a stepping stone to getting well. I do feel shattered, but I have been relatively lucky so far. This may not be the end of Coronavirus for me or people in my position. Until adequate tests are employed by the health service, we all just have to keep guessing whether we have COVID-19 or not.

I did read in a national newspaper a few days ago, that up to fifty percent of the UK population could be infected with Coronavirus already, but many people just don't know it yet or are quite possibly asymptomatic and won't have any symptoms at all.  The Government really does need to up their game in the testing stakes, or else Britain will be at a virtual standstill for months to come. It really isn't my job to criticise the response of our Government, because as a nation we haven't been here before. As a layman looking in, even I can compare our reactions to this novel virus to that of Germany, where deaths are far fewer. At the moment all of us have to fight to get through these dark days and it will be many years before we really know the conclusions in our battle against COVID-19; so for now we have to support those in charge and continue doing the right thing.

On my seventh day of self-isolation, I am feeling alright, not perfect, but much better than I have been. I understand that the next seven days can also be crucial in the way my body reacts to this virus and I can only pray I will be fine. I don't seem to be suffering any more, but then I have no idea what is going on deep down, so like everyone else, I just have to keep hoping for the best outcome possible. Tomorrow is another day, and I will finally be able to go outside, for the first time in over a week. This should be the beginning of a return to normal life and my desire to move forwards positively, mindful that this may only be the beginning of the end!

On Sunday Queen Elizabeth broadcast to the nation, for only the fifth time in her 68-year reign. This was an historic speech, given by a Monarch, who has devoted her life in the service of her people and the country she loves. Like many others, I was glued to the television, despite feeling unwell myself. As a Monarchist, I have much admiration for Her Majesty and believe passionately in the work she and her family do. For Queen Elizabeth to give such a message to the UK and Commonwealth, the situation must be serious; her words were spoken at a crucial time, as the pandemic reaches its peak over the next few days.

The Queen's broadcast was emotional, poignant and historic; just what the country needs at this time. She praised the good work of key workers and spoke candidly about her own childhood. Appealing for unity and resolve, Her Majesty struck a chord with all of us who watched on Sunday night. I was personally left feeling comforted and determined to do what I can to help with the efforts, ensuring normality returns as soon as possible. If we were in any doubt of the seriousness of the situation, we were given a hard dose of reality by the time she concluded her words.

In times of national crisis it is important to hear from any Head of State. At 94 years of age, The Queen is vulnerable to COVID-19 and is in self-isolation herself, so her words were even more important than ever. Her encouragement and sense of duty, has been unwavering at this time and for those of us, not following the rules, still sunbathing in parks or browsing in supermarkets, this should be the wake up call to finally do the right thing. HM The Queen will remain paramount in the fight for hearts and minds, as this pandemic reaches new heights. Her words should be the focal point for the battles ahead; all of us should look towards our Monarch as the voice of reason and stability in these uncertain times.

Just as The Queen finished her broadcast to the nation, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London. His COVID-19 symptoms were getting worse, and he was no longer able to cope with them at home. The PM's office at number 10 stressed that it was a precautionary measure, while Mr Johnson undergoes tests. By early yesterday evening Boris had been taken to Intensive care, as his condition deteriorated further, and he was no longer able to breathe unaided. The crisis now engulfing Britain was turning into a national emergency, with the PM now unable to carry out his duties.

I watched the television in horror yesterday along with everyone else, as Boris was admitted to Intensive care. I can not remember a period where I have felt so scared for the future. It does seem like we are living in the middle of a nightmare, one that just will not end. Whenever I switch on the television set, there is nothing but death, doom and destruction, and I am becoming more and more depressed as the days go by. Life all across the World has been disrupted in a way, none of us have experienced before and I feel mentally drained every single day. None of us know for sure when this is going to end and each of us just exist day to day.

There is no protection for any of us, rich or poor, we are all equal in the eyes of this virus and everyone just has to do what they can to survive the next few months. Despite having my own symptoms, I still have no idea if I have had the virus or not. The Doctors I spoke to on the phone said I have COVID-19, but I just don't know for sure. That is what makes this journey so much harder, not knowing! I have become a slave to Coronavirus and whether it's washing my hands forty times a day, cleaning surfaces time and time again or wearing masks and gloves on every shopping trip, I am literally spending my life living in fear. This really isn't living, this seems like a bad dream, that I will never wake up from.

Not having my partner around at this time has made my life unbearable. He is phoning me every day, making sure I am OK, but it isn't the same as having him here. We have been together for 24 years, so being separated, in the middle of a pandemic, with Darrell in Australia and me here has been the biggest challenge of our life and believe me, we have had obstacles to overcome. It isn't until you lose something or someone close that you truly realise their importance. Together Darrell and I are inseparable and always working hard to achieve our goals, but with the World in lockdown, that has all but stopped. We no longer have the dreams we once had, we no longer plan ahead, and we no longer have the life we fought so hard to obtain.

My fears and nightmares are now at the forefront of my mind. I do not have happy thoughts any more and that is sad. This bloody virus has taken away my security, sense of belonging and thrown me into a soup of boiling turmoil. With no end in sight, each of us are trying to survive until tomorrow. With each passing day, we are becoming more distant from our friends and family and less willing to take the step back towards normal life. I feel tired, shattered and fatigued; I feel upset and angry at the loss of loved ones and the people who are shouldering the burden of life and death most and I feel directionless, drifting in a sea of worry and stress.

My hope is this ends soon, and we can all get back to normal living, my guess is it won't conclude for many months to come, and we will continue to live through this hellish existence. The support we give each other now, no matter how distant we are, is crucial to our well-being. Reach out to those in the greatest need - the old, infirm, ill and families of those who have died, and hold them closer than you ever have before (Not physically of course). Protecting the most vulnerable individuals in society is a mark of humanity and as institutions collapse around the globe, all we can do is grasp hold of what makes us all human; the good that keeps us as one!