While I'm enjoying thinking up Advent Photo ideas, words are really my thing and I miss writing here but I'm struggling with what to say.
I'm going to have to scramble a little bit to finish my chaplaincy course. The pandemic started the same time the course did and covid has caused severe limitations on volunteering opportunities. I struggled to find a placement and then an extended lockdown reduced my ability to complete the neccessary 140 hours. I had asked for an extension but the request was lost. I have now been granted a three month extension but there is a lot to get through with placement, assignments and a variety of documentation.
Covid is making a resurgence in Sydney and high case numbers are making Christmas more and more difficult. People are queuing for hours to get tested, shops are sold out of rapid antigen tests and nursing homes (at least the ones I know) are back into lockdown today.
I have heard of many cases only a step or two removed from me, more than ever before. I'm not frightened but I feel the need to be more than cautious. Our last lingering restrictions were removed on Monday, as has been promised for a long time. Why on earth would politicians suddenly decide that this is the time to make good on promises?
I'm starting to wonder if my Christmas plans will work out. We would usually be indoors but with doors open and I could move it out to the deck but it gets so hot under the clear sheet roof......
I won't be devastated if Christmas is downsized but even though I am a very last-minute person, I'm going to find it hard to make decisions on last minute plan changes. We are really very close now.
I think many people will have to scramble with holiday plans. The options are not good choices.
ReplyDeleteI can understand needing some clarity on plans at this late moment.
ReplyDeleteI think I would just make a huge salad and hope for the best!
ReplyDeleteOf all the political promises to decide to keep...
ReplyDeleteWe have gone back to a mask mandate here. I am not sorry.
Hugs and hopes are flowing your way.
Red,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's entire staffroom has covid so it will be a miracle if she doesn't have it.
PP,
The timing of this outbreak is tricky
Anne,
The plan is cold meats and salad so lets see what happens next
EC,
I really dont like masks and usually only wear them if I have to but right now it is foolish not to
Best is to plan to be safe. No matter what happens outside, we can always be prepared while being indoors and careful.
ReplyDeleteRamana,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, safety needs to be paramount. We are in a very grey area where any or all of us could get sick at any moment. Or we might be completely unaffected
We are watching Sydney very closely from our fortress here in WA. I feel for you. It must be frustrating and confusing. The only reason I can think of that would motivate governments - state or federal - not to reverse their decision to open up, is that they would be facing a revolt from the general public. I reckon they will allow things to stay open until after Christmas, and then there will have to be a serious and quick rethink. When Aussies start seeing people they love die or get very sick, ir get sick themselves, they will get a reality check. I'm sorry to say they really need one.
ReplyDeleteIt's all pretty mad in the UK as well - but hopefully Omicron will prove to be mild.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, and let's hope for a better 2022.
Sx
Cases have really taken off here, as well. And now we are hearing from the experts on epidemiology and infectious diseases that the masks we relied on so far are not good enough, and that N95 masks are the new standard -- but many of those being sold are not up to the technical requirements they claim to meet. It's definitely a worry.
ReplyDeleteSo how did your Christmas go in the end? I hope it went well and you haven't caught covid.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are aware there are already some restrictions reintroduced (less than two weeks after scrapping them) It's too little too late though.
Ms Scarlet,
Omicron seems to be quite mild, they are teloing us we will all get it but we hopefully wont notice. Everyone I have heard of h aving it has noticed.
Jenny,
We didn't even n eed to wear masks for a little while there and surprise! that's when it really took off.
Nick,
Briony returned four negative tests so she joined the family for lunch. It was a nice day.