Chai And A Chat #75 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronavirusGate

16 Mar 2020 78 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

Psst! Have you got time for a cuppa? What with all the craziness of the #CoronaVirus, I don’t quite know where the time has gone!

  • If we were sipping chai together I’d start with the little things… We had our moderation, which took an age of sifting through the work of different children from all the schools, to see if we were all singing from the same hymn sheet, so to speak. It’s amazing how different the demographics can be in schools not more than a few miles away from each other. We are a true inner town school, and our demographic tends to be many non English speakers, and low income families, with a real range of abilities. The others all seem to have many more able children from more stable backgrounds. Still, it’s interesting to look across the board.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I did manage to pop in to my local nail salon on Saturday, and got my nails done. They feel much better, but the salon was much quieter than usual. It’s operated by Vietnamese folk, but so many are misguided and think ‘Chinese’ they have stopped going at the moment due to Coronavirus fear… ridiculous!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d have to mention the elephant in the room properly, i.e. that awful virus that is attacking the world. We spent Thursday on tenterhooks, waiting for Boris Johnson’s decisions about how the UK are going to deal with the virus… and they decided upon the strategy of developing ‘herd immunity’. So basically they think that if around 60% of us got it then our immunity would be better and they could handle cases better… They aren’t planning school shut downs just yet, because they don’t want the situation where they have to keep them closed for so long that it has a detrimental effect on everyone. Not only will it affect the children’s education, but if they were to shut, then parents would need to stay home, and that means they can’t go to work. What about those parents who work for the NHS or care industry? They are needed so badly at the moment. This though isn’t sufficient for most. People are seeing other countries shutting schools for 2/4/6 weeks, or even a couple of months and can’t understand why we aren’t doing the same. I honestly don’t know, but I wish we were told, too. It is hard enough being a teacher, at the best of times, but knowing we need to keep these children safe, and as educated as we can means that we have a lot of forward planning that needs doing. It’s not going to be an extended holiday. We need to create accesible learning for all the children so they are continuing to learn while they are at home. Our head is so conscious of work life balance, she has ordered a whole heap of workbooks that children can use at home for each year group, to keep them learning whilst off, whenever that may be.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we haven’t had a confirmed case here in the locality, but one school was closed for a deep clean due to a suspected case, and we had to send two children home, who weren’t well at all. It’t likely not to be the coronavirus, but we can’t be too careful.
  • If we were sipping chai together I wouldn’t be able to shut up about the craziness of panic buying that is going on right now! Over the last two weeks, the toilet paper, handwash and sanitiser shortage has extended to bleach and cleaning wipes, pasta, tinned goods, freezer food and even FREEZERS! People are buying emergency freezers to stash their bulk buys in! Really?? I’ve had the joy of seeing at least three supermarkets over the weekend, and the pandemonium is just getting worse. On Friday, I went to do my usual shop. I got most of what I would usually buy, but no beer for Hubby Dearest. After an evening of cleaning the house, we settled down to chill. I got up on Saturday and after my nails, I popped into a different shop to get the beers. OMG! It was like the days that lead up to Christmas! The usual shelves were still empty, but trollies were full. Still, I got my beer, or rather, his beer! The rest of the day we were in our own rooms, doing our own thing. If only the reality of isolation was going to be that smooth. Sunday morning, I woke up and realised that I didn’t have Sonu Singh’s litter and I needed to top up dry food. Hubby and the kids wanted Macdonald’s breakfast too. So off I went, with Lil Man. The pet shop was fine. Asda, however, at juwt past 10am on a Sunday, was heaving! Usually it is quiet, but the car park was full. Apparently there was a queue, building up for at least an hour prior to opening. I wanted to get a new knee support as my one is feeling too tight when I sit down. Even they were out of stock! As well as paracetamol tablets and liquid for kids. Again, queues like crazy. At least the Macdonalds concession was quite empty! Got home and wished for another quiet day like Saturday, but that was asking too much. The kids were bickering. Lil Man was in a tizz, because he hates being cooped up. He also managed to drop his laptop while using it the day before, and the screen isn’t working, so he just bugged the rest of us! We did end up out for dinner though, which was lovely, to celebrate our date-iversary belatedly!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that I feel as if my life has been taken over by this dang virus… when will it all end? I’m worrying about my parents who are far away, my in-laws who are close but all classed as vulnerable, my kids, my hubby, my Finndian family, the children in my class, and their families… I don’t have time to worry about myself… at least I am making sure my hands are extra clean!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that I can only wait now, and see what happens at schoolt this week. I am meant to be on a course today, unless it gets cancelled last minute. We were meant to have a Mothers Day craft afternoon for the mums and children, and that has been cancelled, as has Parents Evening, school trips, the disco that was meant to be on before Easter… Tenterhooks, I told you!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d say that I don’t know what to do about Saturday. I am meant to be going into London for my radio interview… but though there is no lockdown, should I still attempt it, or see if they can do it via phone? Do I risk getting the train, or should I drive in and have a nightmare finding parking? I don’t know!

Right, that’s me done Peeps! Let me how your week has been!

78 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Book Club Mom
    Mar 20, 2020 @ 20:33:33

    Ah yes, we just went through much of what you describe. Now our schools are closed, plus our libraries and all non-essential businesses. There have been shortages and I had to go out a second time to get what I need, but at least the grocery stores seem to be restocking. Colleges are also closed and it looks like we will have some cyber kids for the rest of the school year. Take care, Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Midnightlion
    Mar 20, 2020 @ 18:06:21

    Hey Ritu, I’ve got a new poetry competition, would you like to enter? If not please share.
    Thank you friend and stay safe ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. lorieb
    Mar 19, 2020 @ 13:30:30

    sounds familiar, we are going through the same emotions here in Canada, this virus has our world feeling more like a small village!

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. niasunset
    Mar 19, 2020 @ 06:56:53

    Dear Ritu, this is really unbelievably terrifc days… Please be careful and be safe, I can almost feel yours too, be in safe you and your family, I hope PM and his team to do the best… In here I can’t say that they are driving good and best. Love and Hugs, nia

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. kindredspirit23
    Mar 18, 2020 @ 00:00:09

    Sounds like a week! Same sorta here. Government orders (at least, for State of Indiana) is that only drive-thru, curb-side, and deliveries are going to stay open. Groceries mostly all out of Bread, Milk, T-Paper/Paper Towels, Disinfectants. They are even out of my Almond Milk! How Dare They?
    Everything moves on. I am retired and happy. Mom’s therapy visit today was quiet and they are taking temps and doing questionnaires for all entering the facility.
    I, personally, like my home time. It’s quiet and I get to spend my time playing video games, doing blogs, playing online Scrabble, and watching movies, – or reading.
    Keep safe, you and all,
    Scott

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Rae Reads
    Mar 17, 2020 @ 14:30:22

    Hi Hon,

    Having my first cuppa Joe while I wait for My Better Half to wake up. Doing this on Tuesday; didn’t get to it Monday.
    We have two cases in our tiny town. Evidently a girl from New York visited the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during the Chili Cookoff before the rodeo was abruptly shut down. When she got back to NY, she tested positive.
    Heck, half the people in this agricultural town show animals at the rodeo and now our whole town is shut down. No school (probably for the rest of the school year), nothing on the grocery shelves, no one who has been to the rodeo (almost all my younger friends) is welcome in my home.
    Talk about your CRAZY.
    We had church Sunday on Facebook; I am learning to teach on line…WHEW!! Difficult! I am not techie enough! This is my new normal.
    Excuse me while I get a second cup.
    Thanks for letting me let it out.
    Rae

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Mar 17, 2020 @ 17:18:13

      I’m still not certain if we have a confirmed case here in our town, but plenty of people are in self isolation at the request of the govt. They aren’t testing everyone though, so an accurate figure will never come about…
      Stay safe, Rae! xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Midnightlion
    Mar 17, 2020 @ 13:09:28

    Apologies for not chatting to you for a long time Ritu, as I have been very busy with my site. I hope you are well in health and safe. I hope your family are well and safe.

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Leanne
    Mar 17, 2020 @ 00:59:27

    Same craziness is happening in the U.S. – panic buying, super long lines, and people getting in each other’s faces. In my city, it was announced on Friday to close schools and learn at home beginning Monday. Same as the UK, not all parents can stay home with the kids. I think we are fortunate that our state (I guess “province” in the UK) presents are more cohesive unit (governor, state and local health depts., school districts, and most businesses to begin isolation and work from home) than the federal government.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Erika
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 20:34:41

    Stay safe, sis. It is a global challenge but we will get through it. We need patience – with the virus on one hand but also with some unreasonable people on the other hand. It is confusing when there are no clear directives given by the government. I don’t get it why they don’t learn from the experience other countries made. Switzerland, Austria, Germany… all close down. Home office for me too (although there is not much I can do from home). But it is slowing down everything perhaps in some way, the world needed it. Lots of love 💖

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Jennie
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 19:31:01

    The toilet paper and other hoarding is so selfish and unnecessary. Over here, the philosophy is to stay away from other people till things get better. It is really hard on working families with small children! We teachers deep cleaned on Friday. Every toy, and surface. I have a basket of Beanie Babies and dress-ups to wash. It was hard, but a good move. I hope things begin to improve!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Mar 16, 2020 @ 19:53:36

      New advice here today is that anyone with a persistent cough or temperature to Self isolate for 14 days. This includes any family members in the household too. Still no school closures though.
      But advised to work from home if people can, and avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants, theatres and cinema halls.
      May look at vulnerable folk and those over 70 having a 12 week isolation to protect them…

      Liked by 1 person

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  11. johnrieber
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 19:14:33

    I think we are all waiting to see how the medical response works to bring down the rate of infection. and it’s important to remind everyone that 95+% of the cases result in the patient getting better…so it’s important for people to stay calm, practice social distancing, and let this wave of illness pass…

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Darlene
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 15:47:11

    Tough times for all of us. Stay healthy and safe.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 15:25:46

    What times we have, Sis! But you are on a very good way, have not lost your positive mood. What a poem like sentence: “(…) to see if we were all singing from the same hymn sheet”. 😉 Here in Bavaria now all schools, bars and pubs are closed.I think we are too late, because the first confirmed case was months ago, near Munich. I really would not be surprised if its a re-imported virus.
    After a lot of people here in Bavaria are very close relatives since centurie, they could get herd immunity very fast. Lol (Sorry, a little bit sarcasm has to be.) Best wishes, keep well and stay save. You only can do it by yourself. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. dearanonymousfriend
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 14:15:07

    The governor of South Carolina, my state, announced yesterday afternoon that all schools and universities and colleges were shut for two weeks, he strongly recommended that all private schools do the same. This week is my usual week that I do my monthly shopping, and I have started to shop already, to see so many shelves empty. My Little Man and his family were supposed to have come visit this weekend and now they are staying close to home. So, no hugs from my grandson. My Little Miss was supposed to be here in a couple of weeks and they too, are not coming as my son-in-law is having to postpone his transfer from his job for another two months. What a season of life to be a part of! If nothing else, it does make life interesting, doesn’t it? Stay safe, stay healthy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Dan Antion
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 12:56:36

    A slew of tough times and difficult decisions await us as this virus moves through the world, Ritu. I hope you all can stay well and well-fed and that hubs doesn’t run out of beer. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Mar 16, 2020 @ 16:01:41

      Thank you Dan! I have stashed away a couple of extra cases that he doesn’t know about so hopefully we’ll be okay! The panic buying still hasn’t stopped though!

      Like

      Reply

      • Dan Antion
        Mar 16, 2020 @ 16:05:19

        I figure the panic buying will subside this week. I don’t think they can lock this place down any tighter unless they put soldiers on the streets.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Mar 16, 2020 @ 16:13:26

        School closures haven’t even been announced here yet, I don’t know if that will set people off again Having said that, parents are choosing to keep their kids home anyway. My class had 20 in apparently, and there were only 17 in the other class. Let’s see what tomorow holds…

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 12:34:39

    It’s so tough! I know my kids’ school district had the same questions about closing, since the school is where some of the kids get their only decent meals all day. The schools are also where they get dropped off early morning and picked up in the evening because their parents work such long hours. I’m lucky that I always work from home, so nothing changed there, and my husband’s job can also be done from home. So, when they did decide to close the schools for 2 weeks, it wasn’t a big deal. I got a bit more at the grocery store and we’re trying to self-isolate. Still, there are people around my little town who are treating it like a vacation and getting together; yet we’ve been told not to do playdates and get-togthers, if we can avoid them. Of course, like you said, some people who work in healthcare, police, EMTs, etc., HAVE to go in to work. For them it’s so tough deciding where to send their kids, etc. Stay safe and smart, Ritu. I wonder how your radio interview went. (Certainly, they could do that by phone, I’d think.) We’re all going to have to get a lot more creative about work and life in general before this is over, I think!

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Midnightlion
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 10:29:06

    You made some great points in today’s chai and a chat. The coronavirus affects all of us and I hope it dies down soon. Stay safe Ritu ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Hilary Tan
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 07:34:29

    The coronavirus truly is terrifying depending on where you live. I’m watching a documentary about the start of it in Wuhan China and it will give you nightmares. You can find he documentary on YouTube. It’s called “Coronavirus: How the deadly epidemic sparked a global emergency | four corners”

    We also have a shortage of TP, hand sanitizer, and even bread here in Canada. My university shut down, stores are shutting down, and daycares have shut down. Compared to China, we are still living in paradise over here. This is a terrifying time for us all and I haven’t slept well for the past few nights. Things keep changing by the hour as I keep checking for updates.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Mar 16, 2020 @ 07:36:54

      We are still lucky in so many by respects, but yes, the thought of what could be has taken over everyones senses, and then that has induced even more panic.
      We’ve not lived through a pandemic before… No one really knows what to do…
      Stay safe, Hilary 💜🙏🏽

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Hilary Tan
        Mar 16, 2020 @ 08:05:45

        There’s tons of panic here and all of this panic isn’t helping the situation at all. Much of it feels unreal to me and I’m in disbelief that school is cancelled (they’re switching to online courses now). Hopefully, this passes soon and we come out stronger on the other side. Stay safe, Ritu! 🙏🏻💕

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Mar 16, 2020 @ 08:36:32

        You too, Hilary 💜🤞🏼🤗

        Like

  19. Debbie from Deb's World
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 07:11:03

    I feel for you Ritu, it’s a dreadful time everywhere. I worry about little Dottie who is still on oxygen with her lungs not well developed yet. Take care xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Mar 16, 2020 @ 07:34:57

      I know. The hospitals have cut visits to maternity here on out locality.
      More needs to be done, if they want to curb the spread, yet here I am, still going to school…

      Liked by 2 people

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  20. IreneDesign2011
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 06:02:04

    Wish you a happy new week Ritu and do your best to stay away from that virus. It isn’t fun at all, but very tough to go through.

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. robbiesinspiration
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 05:53:12

    The world has gone mad, Ritu. Our schools are closed form Thursday this week. I don’t think it is a good thing here at all. People will need to work so they will either try to take their kids to work with them or set up make-shift child care facilities where there will be not proper control or healthcare processes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. willowdot21
    Mar 16, 2020 @ 05:24:47

    What a week, I am like you Sis really at a loss as to what is going on with the Corvid19. I am confused and stressed, I can sleep. Good thing is I have have plenty of time to read your post in peace at 5am. Have a good week sis and be safe and healthy. 💜

    Liked by 2 people

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