And a happy Easter to one and all.
Now, I'm not a huge one for Easter. I'm apparently 'too old' for Easter Eggs (yeah I don't get it either), and not being of the religious bent, the whole resurrection thing doesn't hold much of an import for me either.
It does mean that my Facebook feed seems to be stuck on repeat, however, with variations on the theme of white fluffy clouds in blue skies, and the words 'He is risen' written in cursive script with an impressive amount of drop-shadow appearing like a particularly religious rash. It does make a change to the posts either endorsing or condemning the handling of the Coronavirus pandemic, however.
And it's a heady cocktail of these two things which form the backbone of today's post.
Kicking The Habit
Life has changed of late. I don't think saying that will come as a shock to anyone. The habits we've built up over so many years have been interrupted. Work. The pub.Slimming World. The Pub. Visiting family. The pub... These are the structures on which the week has traditionally hung, and now they've been replaced by something new, something different. The daily commute has become, for so many people, a thing of the past. Tailbacks a phenomenon almost fondly remembered.
Out of the ashes of the old ways, a new custom has arisen. Instead of putting on a clean t-shirt and hitting the pub (Is it me, or is there a theme building here?), we now gather on our doorsteps, a respectable and safe distance between us, and applaud those who risk their lives to save ours.
Getting A Round In
I am of course talking about the nurses, doctors, and carers (best not forget the carers, eh, Tina Rankin?). I'm talking about those selfless people who are, in so many cases, working harder and longer than ever, in horrendous conditions, to stem the tide of Covid-19. It's a round of applause which is much deserved, but it's not enough. It never can be.
And therein lies the rub, because what else can you and I do? How else can we help? If you're anything like me, the question fills you with a feeling of helplessness. Oh, we can donate. We can text 'Clap' to give a fiver. In some cases we can do more. The news has been filled with restaurants, launderettes, ironing services and all sorts of other small business that, having found themselves spinning their wheels, have turned to supplying their service to NHS staff, often for free. It warms the cockles of this cynical old heart. It really does.
Of course it's not all down to us. It's also down to those to whom we have entrusted power. Namely the politicians. The government. It's up to them to provide what the NHS needs in order to save our lives. The PPE. The Gowns, aprons, masks, and gloves that help keep both patient and carer safe. It's up to them to secure and distribute the tests which provide the safety and security of knowing who has, and who has had, the virus. Who is in need of care, and who is safe to provide it.
Slow Going
Now, it's possible to say that these measures are being rolled out. It's even fair to say so. Looking back through previous posts, however, I first commented on the pandemic on the 8th of March. That's five whole weeks ago. Covid-19 was a known threat before even then, and to date front line workers don't have (or to quote a couple of government ministers 'don't feel they have') the protections they need. To me it shows a shocking lack or preparedness, and a response time that, if the situation wasn't so serious, would be laughable.
Now, it hasn't all been plain sailing for those in charge. The PM, one Boris Johnson, has himself been hospitalised with Covid-19. Something which may have it's causation in a hospital visit, and the shaking of several staff and patient's hands during his initial downplaying of the emerging crisis. His absence may have slowed things (although this in itself would be a shocking indictment of the people he's chosen to work under him), but in truth the systemic failures predate even this illness.
Thankfully, Boris seems to be better. I may not be a fan of the man but I wouldn't wish him harm, and it's good to see him heading back to his partner and unborn child. This does not however, mean that his hands are clean. It does not mean he is immune from criticism, or the buck he inherited with his position should stop anywhere else but with him.
A Very Naughty Boy?
Going back to social media, I've seen some (admittedly not a lot, but some) posts, lauding Boris for his heroism. As if him bounding out of bed to get back to it (after a rest) is something above and beyond what us ordinary folk are capable of . It seems to be an effect which is giving the man some kind of halo. A shield with which criticism of his leadership can be batted away.
The truth (to me) is that Boris, or whoever carries the baton still need to be held to account. They still need to be scrutinised, questioned, and where necessary, criticised in their handing of the greatest crisis in a generation. The NHS needs more than our applause. It needs us to do our bit to make sure those we put in charge of it do theirs.
On Easter Sunday, I think it's important to remember that this particular resurrection is no miracle, and Boris is certainly not the Messiah.
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