MCO - day 8

Leaving my phone switched off in the kitchen was such a good idea, no more middle of the night conversations, though I am an episode behind in 'The Archers'.

A slow morning at 'school'. Olivia was really tired and Amelia grumpy - not a morning person.  But we did some words and telling the time and colouring and stories.  Our nature walk downstairs was cut short by the guard who got very agitated and sent us home  There was no-one in the grounds and as you can see we had our, not very useful, masks on.  Masks here are more about showing respect for others as they do little to protect you. These masks do have valves as they were bought from the UK for last autumn's haze, but arrived too late, so perhaps better than some.   However, on our brief walk we did see a squirrel.  WH went to Jaya for shopping for us and her folks, back from London tomorrow. Not just masks but also disposable gloved have to be worn by shoppers.

This afternoon was very quiet.  Mamie slept for 3 hours, Olivia watched a kids' movie in BM and I updated the College, the choir and Apex on my decision. Later there was some (paddling) pool time and dinner on the balcony again. We are the only family that seem to use a balcony but it means we get fresh air. The current situation is improving both health and bank balance. Normally food is ordered in 4 or 5 times a week, and lunch is grabbed on the go. Now we are eating lunch at lunchtime every day (well I always did) and a home cooked dinner every night: noodles, veg and mince tonight. 

Then at 3 this afternoon the MCO, as expected, was extended by 2 weeks until 14 April. As usual I got a text straight to my mobile with the news. If you're interested Malaysia has had 1796 declared cases and 19 deaths. 199 people have recovered and been discharged. Quite a few new cases are still linked to the tabligh event at the end of February or folk who were there and later attended other events such as weddings.  They say they have identified 10000 of the 14000/16000 who attended the tabligh. WH said that architects are being asked to volunteer to help with building field and emergency hospitals and quarantine centres and she is considering helping, but I don't know where she will get the time. 

Another quiet afternoon and evening.  Numerous WhatsApp messages to and from people and a video call to J. She is self isolating but D seems to be getting better.  My niece, H, a hospital doctor in Newcastle, has tested negative.  Her son has a nursery place from tomorrow. Both his parents are frontline staff: his dad a GP. My nephew and his medic wife are also staying well away from other people.  But the news from the Manor is still good. Care hours are less, as expected, but Mum is in good spirits and also has a balcony to sit on and watch the world go by.

8 days gone - 20 to go.