Panic

After almost nine months of being COVID free Perth had its first reported case and it is likely to be the more virulent UK version.  The State government immediately announced a lock-down for the metropolitan area and the SW of the State effective 6PM today.  Case Zero is a security guard who worked at one of the quarantine hotels.  He also has a second job as a ride share driver.  Apparently he was infectious for four days before detection and in that period managed to visit a large number and variety of venues including a Halal supermarket and the Indian Consulate.   When are State governments going to realise employing security guards at quarantine hotels poses a risk to public health?

The lock-down has created panic buying in many parts of the city.  Shopping centre car parks overflowed and there were long queues at supermarkets.  Naturally there was a run on toilet paper! 

Children where supposed to return to school tomorrow after the long Christmas holiday break.  However that has been cancelled.  The family next door have two small children and we could hear the crying, wailing, shrieking and temper tantrums over the fence.  I never expected parents to act like that!  The local liquor store sold all it’s stock in one afternoon.

Western Australia was about to open its border to Victoria and Queensland as they had just reached the required COVID free milestone.  Now they are quite rightly closing their borders to us.

Jan and I have agreed I will make a sign in the workshop tomorrow which she will place on the front lawn.

Toilet Paper – $10 per roll

Long queues appeared at the COVID testing centres.  Many of these people are just panicking or “wanabees”.  They have overloaded the system and a significant number will leave without being tested.  We think the wanabees could be separated from the genuine if the local health authorities were to adopt the new Chinese test….. Drop trousers.. touch toes whilst we take the swab.

We all have to stay at home for the next five days and this has caught us with a low level of fresh fruit & veg.  However we have plenty of canned and frozen food.   

What will I do for the next five days.  Probably apply five coats of paint to the blanket box.