Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #2

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , , ,

So, we are a household in self-isolation. Hannah had a cough and high temperature last week and we were advised to self isolate her for seven days. Following that, the government advice changed to if any of your family displayed symptoms then the whole household had to go into self-isolation for two weeks. Yesterday Fionnuala was sent home from work with a cough and sore chest. So, here we are, day two of self-isolation.

Personally I feel fine, no symptoms, as is the case for Adam and Rebecca. Our Education Minister announced yesterday that the schools are to close from Friday for the foreseeable future. The general feeling is that they won’t open again before the new school year in September. I’ve also spoken to my boss and explained the situation. Thankfully I am allowed paid special leave during this period away from work.

We have been in touch, via telephone, with our local pharmacy and shop who are kindly making deliveries to our door as required. Mother’s Day cards have been ordered online and we are well stocked with food, drinks, medication, toilet roll and all other necessary supplies. Especially Diet Coke. We have satellite TV, wifi, books, board games, PlayStation and everything else we need to keep ourselves occupied.

Northern Ireland this morning had its first confirmed case for coronavirus, an elderly person with an underlying health condition. There have been 68 confirmed cases so far, but currently they are only carrying out tests on those admitted for hospital treatment. In the wider United Kingdom there have now been 2,626 confirmed cases. The belief is that, in reality, there are tens of thousands more.

I’ve been speaking to a work colleague in Belfast, who says the city is quiet. We don’t know if there will be a lockdown but a lot of bars, restaurants and cinemas are closed, due to lack of footfall. The Prime Minister is giving live, televised press conferences every evening where we are updated as to the rapidly evolving situation. I’ll keep updating you all as to events here as they continue to unfold. Stay safe, everyone. Treat the pandemic seriously. This isn’t a drill.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

55 thoughts on “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #2”

  1. Sorry to hear your kiddo and wife are sick. I wish them a speedy recovery. It sounds like you are all well prepared for this and to be home. Stay safe and keep washing those hands. Love from NJ ❤

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  2. Be safe. We’re also in stay home mode here in Colorado in the US. I do home yoga, write, and haven’t worn a bra or makeup all week! Liberating🤗

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  3. I pray your family recovers quickly. We, too, are homebound here in Texas. They shut my husband’s business down. My daughter has two jobs, one at a restaurant that they’ve been closing early, and the other is at Dollar General Store. Which now closes early as well so they can re-stock and disinfect the store. I fear this is going to be a long hard year for many folks.

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  5. 😢 so sorry to hear of illness in your household. We here have self isolated due to age and underlying conditions. (We are considered elderly and our aunt is 99 years old). May the healing be swift and may the rest of you stay well!! ❤️❤️❤️

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  6. Hope this is just the nasty common cold – but I’m glad you’re well stocked. We’re blessed to live in a time where we have the resources not only to have delivery, but entertainment and proper updates. Stay Healthy!

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  7. Best wishes for the full recovery of Hannah and Fionnuala (did I spell that right?) Your positive, upbeat attitude will be a key ingredient in this episode. Since my wife and I are both retired, the whole “stay home… stay away from other people” edict is not much of a change for us. Are you still able to get out for a run now and then?

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  8. My sister in New York State had a once in a lifetime family trip planned for March … to Ireland. Needless to say, it’s been postponed. I’m blogging from home in Arizona. It’s interesting (yet sad) to read about what’s happening in other countries. Stay safe and healthy! Get well wishes to the rest of you and to the whole world!

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  10. I wish there were something other than a like button to push. Self-isolation is tough but thank goodness all your other needs are met. Keep us posted. You’re in our prayers.

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      1. We’re fine thank you! NYC is very quiet indeed with really only the supermarkets and pharmacies open … I too am eating like a horse! I think I shall have to start exercising some self discipline (or just exercising) otherwise will need a membership to Weight Watchers in a matter of weeks …. Family all ok?

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              1. Ivory tower indeed!! We can go out but very similar to the U.K. … Apparently we have now 20,000 cases in NY so are right in the thick of it, but perhaps it’s just because they’re doing more testing. How’re you all?

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                  1. Brilliant … will you then be able to mix with others who have self isolated?? Book is slow … how in heavens name did you manage to do yours so fast?! How are the book sales going?

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                    2. Hurray! Well done – sounds like you’re doing well! Keeping busy and getting the book as good as I can. Have now settled, it’s surprising how long it takes but all is well. Stay well!

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  12. It’s getting crazy here also in terms of closures and isolation. The entire state of California just got a “shelter in place” order. While I’ve argued against the complete panic I’ve seen in some people, the situation definitely should be taken seriously.

    Stay safe and warm and I hope the family recovers soon. 🙂

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  13. Stay well! We believe its been around the US far longer than they are saying. Just finishing up our first full week of voluntary working from home (In NC, USA). Bars, restaurants, theaters all closed. Killing the economy so I hope it keeps people well. Scary times. Stay safe and be well!

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  14. We haven’t shut down the State of Maine – yet. However, the confirmed cases of Covid-19 are getting closer and closer. The supply system is still operating, though at reduced efficiency, but food and paper supplies are available. Just not always the same brands as you usually use, which really is not important. Since we are in the high-risk category due to several factors we are staying close to home except to head to the store to renew supplies. I wish you health and a speedy recovery for your wife and daughter. Keep smiling and putting one foot in front of the other.

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  20. I hope your wife and daughter are doing better, and that everyone’s staying safe. Here in Vancouver, I, my husband, son, and have all been working from home this week, and everything’s pretty well shut down, including playgrounds. I work part-time at a university, but it’s been shut down till mid-April, maybe longer we’ll see. My daughter is 22 weeks pregnant and has been working from home for two weeks. She’s doing well, but I worry, and hope for the best.

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