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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 112 Planning a Move
My coronavirus diary for week 112 of the coronavirus pandemic records the news that there are two new COVID-19 hotspots – New Zealand and North Korea. The latter is centred on an outbreak of omicron cases in the capital, Pyongyang. It is the first time this country has admitted the virus has affected them but is refusing covid vaccinations. International travel chaos from England continues as airlines blame COVID lockdowns when large numbers of staff were laid off and recruitment drives are failing to fill vacancies. The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues as Ukraine celebrates a win at the Eurovision Song Contest. My week starts with a lovely day out at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex and ends by packing up an old home to move to a new one in Poole, Dorset.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 111 Brownsea Island
In my coronavirus diary for week 111 of the coronavirus pandemic there is very little about COVID-19 as the news is mainly about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rapidly rising cost of living in England. Covid, we are told, will soon be treated like a common cold – unless a new, stronger variant breaks through the barrier of vaccinations. Chaos at the airports in the UK as demand for international travel exceeds supply. My week passes very pleasantly on Brownsea Island where I am doing seven consecutive shifts as the out of hours’ warden and staying in a cottage on the island.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 110 Tenerife North
During week 110 of the coronavirus pandemic China’s zero Covid cases policy is severely tested as the country suffers another outbreak of the virus in Beijing and Shanghai. In England we are told the coronavirus is no more serious than a cold now – provided a new, stronger variant does not break through vaccination wall. But I continue to keep my coronavirus diary just in case – as there are still countries in the world where travel is restricted as a result of the virus.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 109 Tenerife South
It is week 109 of the coronavirus pandemic and I answer a request for volunteers at one of the local vaccination hubs now giving a fourth jab to the over 75s, the immune suppressed and also a surprising number of first and second jabs for protection against COVID. At the end of this week I am off to Tenerife and very pleased all travel restrictions have been lifted for those who have been vaccinated. I start my tour at the southern end of the island where I do some bird watching and a highly successful whale and dolphin watching trip while based in La Caleta.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 108 Somerset
We celebrate Easter during week 108 of the coronavirus pandemic but COVID continues to affect international travel despite the lifting of restrictions. The continuing high number of new infections causing staff absences across the industry and the reduction of work forces during lockdown are causing chaos at airports and ports with many flights cancelled. I am not flying anywhere this week but will be enjoying a staycation exploring the lovely county of Somerset and visiting Wells, Frome, and Glastonbury.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 107 Travel Chaos
This week, 107 of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of COVID infections reaches record highs. Staff absences affect many industries but particularly travel. As restrictions are removed and bookings increase the airlines, airports, ports and Euro Star struggle to cope. Russia continues its fight for domination in Ukraine. Anti-fossil fuel demonstrators in England threaten fuel supplies and some service stations run out of diesel. I spend a peaceful week in Dorset dodging the April showers.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 106 Brownsea Island
During week 106 of the coronavirus pandemic I spend a lot of time on Brownsea Island in Dorset which is now open to the public for the summer season. On the island I it feels like another world. One untroubled by our turbulent times. To add to the problems caused by an increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19 this week sees a huge rise in the cost of domestic fuels. The price of petrol and diesel is still at an all-time high due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and prices are rising daily in the shops.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 105 Madonna di Campiglio
It is now more than two years since England went into full lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. All restrictions have been lifted for us and it is easy to forget there are still restrictions in force in other countries including Italy. I spend Week 105 of the pandemic skiing in Italy where the wearing of face masks is still obligatory and constant checks are made to ensure everyone on the slopes has a Super Green pass or its equivalent. It is also easy to forget the Russian invasion of Ukraine where fierce fighting continues as the Ukrainians defend their right to remain a free country.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 104 Some Spring Outings
Russia's invasion of the Ukraine continues to be the main concern during week 104 of the coronavirus pandemic. The colours of the Ukraine are everywhere echoing global support for this unprovoked and devastating attack. Closer to home, Queen Elizabeth II has made Windsor Castle her permanent home and the future of Buckingham Palace is uncertain. A fourth vaccination against COVID-19 is going to be offered to those considered vulnerable. And new cases of the Omicron variant continue to rise.
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Life During a Coronavirus Pandemic: Week 103 Sun and Snow in Italy
In week 103 of the coronavirus pandemic the number of cases is still rising but not giving cause for concern. There is evidence of another variant, deltacron, and hope this will be contained by a new vaccine developed in the UK. Sadly, it is reported Queen Elizabeth II is now too frail to walk her beloved corgis. But, the headlines are all about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the plight of refugees fleeing to safety. The price of oil continues to rise due to the war but there are hopes other sources will be found following a statement that the UAE will release more supplies.