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| Self-isolating in the hills |
They cordoned off the
kids' park while we were having lunch. Our terrace overlooks it so we had a
good view as the red and white tape went up.
Were they cleaning it?
Repainting the climbing frame? If only. We knew the real reason without needing
to be told. There had already been mention of swings spreading the virus;
so many small hand holding on, so many big ones pushing those little seats to
the command of higher, higher!
My stomach twisted. It
felt so surreal. I hadn't even heard of coronavirus until about a month
ago. "Where have you been?" my mum asked me, when I mentioned it after
finally reading a newspaper.
The first to test
positive with the virus in Mallorca was a British tourist on 9th February. He
responsibly admitted himself to hospital because he had been in contact with a
friend who had tested positive in France. Today there are 44 infected, 18 of
which were confirmed today.
People have been panic
buying in supermarkets despite the Balearic government's assurance that supplies
will keep arriving by boat. I overheard that a big store was being guarded by
armed Guardia Civil. Photos online show empty shelves. Already the greed is
showing as people try to sell hand sanitser for quadruple of the price.
"They're being so
stupid. The meat is from the island!" the frustrated butcher at our local
supermarket chain said. He was tired after working seven days in a row - with no
day off in sight - and angry with the lack of respect and aggressiveness of the
shoppers. Since my husband always has time to chat to the staff, they'd kept
his chicken order. If he hadn't made that human connection, they might have
given it to someone else.
On Wednesday, the
Balearic health ministry announced a ban for cultural and social events for
over 1000 people. After a month researching and writing up events for
abcMallorca magazine, I was tasked to write cancellation notices.
On Thursday there were
rumours that schools and nurseries were going to be closed. Our
daughter, Sol,
doesn't go to nursery but she does have a playgroup on Thursdays. I felt too
embarrassed to admit to the playgroup Whatsapp group that I wasn't going to
take her because of coronovirus, but we decided it was for the best. I stopped
feeling embarrassed as schools and nurseries were officially closed and official
bodies began advising citizens to stay at home. It's advice which we feel is
wise and necessary, and we are going to be keeping ourselves to ourselves....
Well,
almost.
"If you guys are
ready to take our relationship to the next level, we are prepared to become
exclusive with you over the next two weeks!" my friend text me. We've
agreed. They also have a toddler, so that works well.
On Friday, the Spanish
government declared a state of emergency. How did the news make me feel? Light-headed? A little.
These are such strange
and uncertain times and, as a writer, I feel compelled to record them.
You can also find me on Facebook Emily Benet Author
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