COVID-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic, 2020

The coronavirus was a deadly infectious disease that originated in China and quickly spread around the world. It was indiscriminate and attacked the young and the elderly as well as the fit and healthy. People with underlying health conditions and those who lived in care homes were particularly vulnerable as were the elderly, whose immune systems were not as strong as those of younger people.

The government, in trying to protect the population and prevent the National Health Service from being overwhelmed, announced a number of measures to slow down the spread of infections and keep deaths as low as possible. At first, people were advised to wash their hands properly and regularly; self-isolate if showing any symptoms of the virus, such as a high temperature or a chesty cough; self-isolate if any member of your household had symptoms; practise social distancing, which meant keeping at least two metres away from others. Virtually all organised sport – professional and amateur – was suspended. Pubs, clubs, cafes, coffee shops, non-essential retail outlets, churches, etc were closed. People were told to stay at home except for those who were deemed to be key workers. Many workers were furloughed, meaning they were put on a kind of extended leave with the government pledging to recompense them according to what they did. Other workers were encouraged to work from home. Schools were closed except for vulnerable children and those whose parents were key workers. Parents – and especially mothers – often had the tasks of working at home, looking after their children and helping them with work sent from school. This was no doubt a frantic time for some.

The country was in lockdown, similar to that in other countries. The government held televised daily press conferences from Downing Street to brief the nation and give bulletins and updates on what was described as a ‘war’ against the virus. Doctors, nurses and care workers were described as being on the ‘front line’ and, as with any campaign, supplies and provisions were in short supply and much in demand.  The government’s oft-repeated slogan was: “Stay at Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.”

People were allowed to travel only if absolutely necessary, such as to the pharmacy, supermarket or to work. Those confined to their homes could go out for exercise but only once per day. For most this usually meant going for a walk in open spaces; for others it involved cycling or jogging.

Thursday evenings at 8 o’clock was the time when people across the country opened their front doors and clapped to show their appreciation and gratitude to the many thousands of key workers – such as doctors, nurses and carers, many of whom had themselves become a victim of the virus. There was a spirit of national concern and of helping others. Those who were helping by staying at home were able to show their appreciation to those who were out there putting their own lives at risk.

Ford Bank estate was similar to other areas. Many people were at home; cars were parked and largely not used; children played in back gardens or occupied themselves indoors; those unable to go out at all had food and other supplies delivered; many local residents took to walking down into Simon Field and walking around it or playing with their children; others ventured further afield, walking along the river bank or into Fletcher Moss Park, Stenner Woods or beyond. Certain spots could become quite congested at times such as going along Ford Lane near the allotments or crossing Simon’s Bridge, so one had to be careful not to get too close to others. Some people also wore face masks. Most people appeared to adhere to the government’s instructions.

In all, there were three periods of lockdown: end of March to end of May, 2020; early November to early December, 2020; and early January to late March 2021. 

The successful development and introduction of vaccines to combat the virus led to millions of the population being vaccinated and the gradual reduction in deaths, new cases and hospitalised cases. The vaccination roll out was well organised and various local centres became the focal points for administering the doses – given according to strict criteria such as age, vulnerability and so on. The aim was to eventually ensure that all adults were offered two doses, usually two or three months apart.

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