With the world death toll from Covid-19 past the 1 million milestone, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that more needs to be done. With the North East already in lockdown, not much can really change, can it? Yet the announcement that from Wednesday, by law in the North East two households cannot socialise indoors (except schools and workplaces) full stop, has surprised me. It isn’t that I have been ignoring advice and socialising indoors, but rather surprise at yet another law and more fines. It’s getting confusing what is law and what is recommended these days. With even the prime minister getting confused about local restrictions during a press briefing. I just want advice on how to stay safe. However, as stricter measures come into place, I am starting to join those of the opinion that Christmas is cancelled. For what is Christmas without family and friends?

Yet, for now nothing is changing and so on my midweek shop I buy a few Christmas chocolates and presents to lift my spirits and remind myself nothing has really changed. Christmas will still happen, spreading joy and well wishes to our loved ones.

Yet, with over 12 weeks until Christmas, I’m not going to dwell on what could happen. While back in the here and now, I have finally got myself a computer chair for my makeshift office: sheer bliss. My posture has definitely improved, with my back not aching, clicking or feeling sore at the end of the day. A definite worthwhile investment, with no talk of returning to the office and the current government advice to work from home if possible.

‘Corona news’ is bleak, with numbers increasing across the UK. By the weekend, across the pond, the first Lady and president in America have Coronavirus. Yet, our society is open, and people are trying to keep, as much as they can, business as usual. We are certainly not where we were in March! The difference is illustrated well by a programme by London zoo, filmed throughout lockdown and after. The zoo was closed, like many other attractions for 3 months, the longest closure in the zoo’s history, including during WW2. So, as a community although, for our own safety, we can’t socialise outside of our households, we have support groups, businesses, leisure facilities and society open for us to enjoy.