We have now entered 'Phase 2' of the easing of lockdown restrictions in Ireland, meaning we can travel where we wish within our own counties (and 20km from home if crossing a county border), all retail outlets are open, and we can gather in groups of 6 either indoors or outdoors; social distancing still applies in all scenarios and the wearing of masks is recommended. This is monumental as many people will now be allowed to visit family members they haven't seen in months and shops designated as 'non-essential' are permitted to trade. It also seems to be the case that the remaining phases will be accelerated and we could have a return to some kind of normality by the end of June. Psychologically, I think people are understandably wary and it will take some time before confidence levels are high enough to persuade large swathes of the population to venture back outside; it is a welcome relief, however, and an economic necessity at this stage - obviously, the situation will have to be closely monitored but there is a feeling that any second wave is unlikely to occur during the summer months and now is the perfect time to trial a 'new normal'. Let's hope it goes well and we can remain sensible and vigilant - we just don't know enough yet to predict how the infection rate will be affected but it's absolutely necessary to start opening up (slowly) while knowing we have the capacity to respond quickly and effectively to any potential surge.
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Really, it contains a little bit of everything, from a celebration of science and the English language to the joys of travel and the Shipping Forecast. The title ('Meanderings') is a fairly accurate description of its content: I write about different things as the mood takes me, but hopefully there's something in here for everyone... Categories
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March 2021
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And on another note... |
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