When a virus comes a knocking..

Today I am somewhere other than where I normally am. I came here to edit a book that should now be at 90 000 words, but got stuck at 45 000 when my colleague banged her head off a brick wall and has given herself severe concussion.

This place has a round yellow thing in the sky, the sky is blue not grey. It's warm enough to wear a t- shirt without a duvet.

So I have a laptop,  45 000 words printed out, a USB stick and peace and quiet.

But I am not editing or writing. I am putting together a protocol for coronavirus.

                                 

The virus arrived in Scotland this week. Two cases on Monday, six by Thursday. One about 30 miles away from our business. The first UK victim passed away today, probably elderly, probably with co- morbidity but still sad.

( The London Book Fair, where I was supposed to be appearing next week, has been cancelled only yesterday.  800% increase in  holiday cancellations. 50% fall in bookings. Crufts Dog Show is going ahead but no dogs from Italy or any other affected areas.)

So here we have an issue. Well two issues. We have to decide what we are supposed to do as professional healthcarers. We are  professional touchers and therapists who deal with the elderly with co morbidity, many of them on a daily basis.
                                

And then we have our reception staff who are trying to deal with patients on the phone asking what happens. And then  patients are   complaining that we do not have masks on.  ( They don't work!) and where has Caro been? Is she going to be bringing the  virus back with her?

So  we have a footfall of about 700 patients a week,  about 40% of them will be over 60.  Many over 80, where the virus may be peaking at 19% mortality.  They will all lean over a desk and  breath on the reception staff. The receptionists have been asking what they do if they wake up with a temperature.

1) We are offering our clinic room sinks to all patients to wash hands before and after treatment.

2) We are phoning those  we think are at risk and talking it through with them. Do you really need to come in?  As we are all self employed that will hit our pockets hard, but I hope that they will appreciate we are being proactive. Not panicking, but sensible.

3) We had to get medical disinfectant  off a veterinary supplier as all medical and physio suppliers had sold out.

4) We are on a waiting list for hand sanitiser to be delivered.

5) We are asking those who can, to email in and ask if they should attend.

At the moment it's a watch and wait scenario.

                                

Caro  06 03 2020