Magnus Beharie
Mr and Mrs Whalley, my grandparents, have been in self-isolation in their home in Norseman Village, for over 6 weeks, after receiving a letter from the Government informing them that they were both at higher risk of serious harm from the Coronavirus pandemic.
When asked if they have had any problems or difficulties during their isolation, Mrs Whalley said: “At first we had difficulties with getting groceries.” They usually went into Kirkwall on the bus to get groceries and used the Tesco home delivery, but when the lockdown occurred they did not want to go into town and it was very difficult to get a Tesco home delivery slot. Several shops around Orkney now offer home delivery so getting groceries is much less of a problem.
She said that “they have not been bored” and “have kept entertained by gardening, knitting, and writing letters.” They also said that there have been benefits from the self-isolation in that they have been doing healthier cooking and have started growing vegetables in their garden. There is much less traffic on the road, making it quieter and peaceful in the garden.
Self-isolation is not just to stop people spreading the virus to other people, but also for the prevention of contracting the virus for those at a higher risk of serious health issues. The Covid-19 strain of the Coronavirus affects people with weak immune systems, such as the elderly and very young, much more than healthy adults.
What’s up my niggers