Posts Tagged ‘covid-19’

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Hospital nightmare

March 4, 2023

Alexandra General Hospital no queue. I soon learn why, no doctors. Directed to another hopital, Evangelismos General Hospital.

No signage to hospital. No sign at hospital. No sign to entrance.

On entering it is like a scene out of a horror movie.

Luckily escorted to another wing of the hospital, covid-19 isolation.

Not long before I see a doctor. Asked questions, show medication given previously by hospital and by doctor, blood test results from previous visit. That have tested three times covid positive. Blood taken, blood pressure, blood oxygen level,  covid test , ECG, temperature.


After not very long wait taken for an x-ray. X-ray within minutes. Escorted back to isolation area.


Then wait for hours. No one informs why the wait. Blood results, who knows.


After many hours, escorted to another area of the hospital. More scenes from a horror movie.

Eventually asked the same questions as before,  blood pressure and oxygen level taken. Told I need a scan. Could be 12 hour wait. 

I arrived around three, but maybe that was the first hospital.


Ten at night I decide I am leaving. But cannot leave , a device is stuck in my arm.


I speak to staff, please remove, I wish to leave. Cannot leave unless doctor agrees.

It is now pouring of rain. I will get soaked. Anywhere, nowhere to go to eat, late?

Doctor says I can leave. I will have to sign release papers. Advised I remain for a scan.


I have had coronavirus for indeterminate period. This is not good. May indicate serious. That is why they wish to do a scan.

Given a drink for the scan.

Maybe a scan in two hours.  Previously told not until the morning at the earliest.

Midnight. When is the last Metro?

Two taken for a scan.

Three learn the result of scan. Shows nothing. Actually shows an anomaly. I put down to their CT scanner.

The only thing I learnt from the tests. 

Coronavirus positive.

Infection levels have dropped. 

Symptoms, tiredness, weakness, exhaustion, pain in joints, coughing, sore throat , all covid related. 

Pages of notes. All in Greek. 

I finally left at four in the morning. Had been there since three in the afternoon. 

Now in a little cafe across the road getting something to eat. Nothing to eat since breakfast . 

No Metro this time of night. I will have to get a taxi. 

Double check. First Metro from Evangelismos 0525. I could, but in the cold and dark, risk of heavy downpour? Maybe not.

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Visit to doctor covid-19 positive

March 2, 2023

A week on from Alexandra General Hospital testing coronavirus positive, out of quarantine, still very sick, unable to revisit hospital due to Metro strike, a visit to a doctor yesterday.

– blood pressure dangerously low

– blood oxygen level 98%

– covid-19 positive

Third coronavirus test. Second was at a pharmacy last Friday. Each test positive.

Doctor wished to carry out further tests but not permitted as I have tested positive. Advised visit hospital.

Not able to travel or fly.

Prescribed medication.

Advised to rest.

Over a week has passed since notified Insurance, kept informed, supplied with all required documents. To date no response, despite repeated reminders. In the meantime I am racking up hotel bill, cost of doctor, medication, changes to flights.

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Omicron doubling every 2-3 days introduction of Plan B and accelerated booster vaccinations

December 12, 2021

Omicron spreading rapidly in South Africa where it was first identified. It is spreading rapidly amongst those who have been vaccinated or who have high levels of immunity to covid-19.

Omicron is a wake up call. We may think we can forget covid-19, it has not forgotten us.

In UK, booster vaccine rollout has been accelerated, three months interval from second vaccine not six months, all adults. Now seen as a third vaccine.

But we have to have all our defences in place.

Mask wearing has to apply to all venues, not merely shops and public transport. And with enforcement.

For international travel, negative PCR test 48 hours prior to travel to enter UK, then on day 2 and day 8 with self isolation.

CEO of Moderna has warned vaccines may not be effective against Omicron. Work in the lab, two vaccinations not affective, addition of a booster vaccination adds protection, hence an accelerated booster programme to have every adult in the UK with a booster by the end of the year. That means at least one millions boosters every day, currently running at a little over 400,000 every day. A very ambitious programme.

We are now seeing he first omicron hospital admissions. Within the next couple of weeks we will see the first deaths.

Boosting the booster programme, the introduction of Plan B, are welcome measures, but we should have introduce Plan B more than two weeks ago, we now need to go further, if not lockdown.

  • coronavirus vaccine certificate produced and scanned to enter any indoor public space or outdoor gathering
  • enforcement of existing measures
  • social distancing
  • closure of nightclubs and binge drinking bars
  • ban on Christmas parties
  • sick pay for those self isolating
  • work from home wherever possible

I am seeing shops, public transport, a significant minority not wearing masks.

Lunatic fringe of Tory Party frothing at the mouth at minor inconvenience of wearing a mask is not helping, it plays into the hands of anti-vaxx fascists.

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England new coronavirus restrictions

November 28, 2021

Emergence of a new covid-19 mutation in South African, UK has announced new restrictions.

Too little, and why the delay? Requirement to wear masks, will only come into force on Tuesday, and why only public transport and shops, though a small step in the right direction?

New measures include:

  • From Tuesday, face coverings will once again be compulsory in shops and on public transport
  • All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days. This is regardless of a person’s vaccination status
  • Anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result. The change will be brought in “as soon as possible” following agreement with the other UK nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the UK’s vaccine advisory body – will consider giving the booster vaccine “to as wide as group as possible”. It will also reduce the gap between the second dose and booster

Measures on mask wearing should never have been relaxed. Why does it not apply to hospitality, to places where people gather such as theatres?

Utter garbage from Hospitality UK, that mask wearing on public transport will hit public confidence. It is passengers not wearing masks that dents public confidence, that makes people reluctant to use public transport.

We need to be careful not to lump all hospitality together, a coffee shop or restaurant does not pose the same risk as a binge drinking bar or nightclub.

What we do know about Omicron, a new covid-19 mutation, is that it is highly transmissible, has large number of mutations, may not be recognised by antigens, which renders vaccines less effective. All the more reason to bring in measures to slow the spread. We saw how fast Delta spread when the government was slow to act.

  • place all countries in Africa on the Red list
  • random testing of all arrivals into the UK
  • mask wearing indoors and on public transport
  • work from home if possible
  • close nightclubs and binge drinking bars
  • social distancing
  • certificate double vaccinated to enter bars, coffee shops, theatres

The vaccine certificate would be scanned with a QR scanner to permit entry, green tick to enter, red cross not permitted, but if not permitted would advise what to do, for example vaccinated or a negative lateral flow test valid for 48 hours.

In Athens, require vaccine certificate double vaccinated which is scanned to enter bar, coffee shop, restaurant, theatre, shops. Failure to comply 500 euros fine, establishment 5000 euro fine and closed. To enter a building or travel on public transport mask wearing mandatory, 100% compliance.

Two flights from South Africa to Schiphol, sixty-one passengers tested positive for covid-19, of these thirteen were found to be infected with Omicron. Why was UK not acting as Schiphol, isolating and testing every passenger on flights from South Africa?

It should be a requirement, as is already the case for many countries, negative PCR test result within 48 hours prior to travel, in addition to negative PCR test and self isolation once in the UK.

UK has blocked relaxation of patents on coronavirus vaccines. UK is sitting on stocks of vaccines that it is unlikely to use. These stocks, within a month of expiry, should be shipped to poorer countries to help with their vaccination programmes.

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Gatwick Airport lax coronavirus biosecurity

October 7, 2021

Not mandatory to wear a mask. Not even on the shuttle between terminals.

Passengers not wearing masks, staff not wearing masks.

M&S how many have touched the self-service touch screens?

EasyJet, lack of social distancing at check-in.

Passing through the airport mingling with passengers from God knows where, including high risk countries thanks to lax controls on entering the country.

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Pfizer vaccine second dose

September 8, 2021

Last week tried at a pharamacy, mislead it was walk in, but was not, had to book anappoinatment, but can always try, we maybe have a camcelelatkion.

Tried again yesterday, closed for lunch.

I returned later, no cancellations, but as I was a couple of weeks at least overdue for second vaccination, they agreed to give me my second dose.

Ouch, it hurt. Rested for fifteen minutes, no adverse side effects.

A very hot day, as nearby Brayford, decided to sit outside for lunch, The Square Sale service abysmal, as was William IV and the food was disgusting. Smell of sewage wafting over whilst sat outside William IV but at least pleasant sat in the shade of a tree overlooking Brayford Pool, and I thought it wise to rest.

Evening, my arm ached, night-time, very tired, arm ached and made sleep not easy.

Next day, ie today, felt terrible, woke up not feeling good. Feeling a little better I got up, I felt as though hard work in the garden stiff, ached all over, could barely move.

Late night, very tired.

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Lincoln coronavirus free for all day twenty-five

August 12, 2021

A hot sunny day.

Police car races through pedestrianised High Street, screeching to a halt at railway barrier. Long wait, slow goods train passes through. Barrier does not open. Police car three point turn, races back down the pedestrianised High Street, pedestrians scattered like nine pins. Train from London passed through, barrier opens.

Why did police car even attempt this route?

Police car parked outside McDonald’s. Prior to its relocation, always thugs hanging outside McDonald’s of an evening.

Central Market fruit and veg stall I inquire, yes they are leaving, end of August. I learn stalls have been given four month’s notice to quit the market.

In the High Street or just off a stall handing out covid tests. PCR or later flow I do not know. I do not see any takers.

Lincoln tops the charts two weeks running coronavirus cases. Today knocked into second place by Hull which takes the No 1 spot.

Hop on Walk and Ride to Lincoln Cathedral. Too hot to walk up Steep Hill.



Why do visitors waste money on a tourist bus? The only way to see historic Lincoln is to walk. If do not wish to walk up Steep Hill, then hop on the Walk and Ride. The tourist bus pollutes the streets.

Pick up fruit and vegetables form Fresh From The Fields, greengrocer behind Bailgate.

Lunch at Elite on the Bail. As always lack of customers.

Walk back down Steep Hill.

From where can I obtain oil for a wooden chopping board? I had tried Lakeland. No joy House of Fraser either.

Too late for a coffee.

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Lincoln coronavirus lockdown day twenty-eight

February 1, 2021

First day of February, a new month, lockdown day twenty-eight.

The bus I would usually catch no longer running, a revised timetable for essential workers only, buses running in the morning and afternoon, but not midday.

When I did catch the bus that is no longer running there was only ever two passengers, maybe once three passengers.

I catch a different bus, a double decker bus, the service cancelled a small bus, only two passengers, the service cancelled a small bus.

More people about than previous weeks early in the week.

A rump steak off the butcher. I wish I had had the sirloin steak previous week.

Central Market deserted. Zero waste stall shuts early at one, fishmonger only open Friday and Saturday.

River Witham flowing fast, though not as fast or as high as last Friday

To Wilkinsons, a griddle pan. I would prefer cast iron, but only aluminum. I need for the steak.

I also want a long skewer but they do not have. Something I have never seen before.

I require for a dish from Friday Night Feast, Jamie Oliver Friday of last week Channel 4 end of South End Pier.

A simple dish, skewer chicken wrapped in bacon, sits over a pan of tomatoes and par-boiled potatoes sitting in the oven. But needs a long skewer. Something I have never seen, but then I do not go looking. I did not think I had a suitable pan, but found one in the cupboard.

Cappuccino off Coffee Aroma.

By the River Witham warm in the sun. In the High Street pleasant, outside Coffee Aroma freezing cold. Hard frost last night, barely above zero.

I take my coffee by The Stonebow in the sun.

I walk through The Stonebow. I see a woman and small child waiting for the Walk and Ride. I tell her I doubt that it is running as revised timetable. She thanks me, tells me she has been waiting a long time, at least half an hour. The Walk and Ride runs every twenty minutes. Never more than five minutes late, usually on time. She say she will get a taxi. I say not safe, safer to walk. She takes my advice and walks.

I notice a sharp edge on griddle pan. I take it back.

Store is overcrowded, too many people, a long queue zig zag at checkouts, complete lack of distancing. Store and especially the queue coronavirus death trap.

I speak with a member of staff, tell them what I am doing, hand them damaged griddle pan and walk out with replaced. I had already spoken with staff member as I walked in and they had advised me what to do.

To M&S Food Hall. I do not need to visit, but need a bag for the griddle pan. Wilkinsons tried to charge 70p for a bag.

I would question why is Wilkinsons open when Lakeland closed? It is not essential. I did not have to have a griddle pan, useful yes, essential no.

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Lincoln coronavirus lockdown day eight

January 13, 2021

Lockdown, third lockdown, started Tuesday of last week.

Tuesday third lockdown day eight, the first time I have been into Lincoln since lockdown began, my first outing since tier 4 New Year’s Eve.

I see at least double the number of cars parked at Ferry Lane Washingborough than I would usually see. People driving to go for walk alongside the River Witham not acceptable, if not a breach of lockdown, it should be.

Little traffic, few people about, very much like the beginning of the first lockdown early last year.

Although bus station deserted, many buses parked up, causing problems for buses trying to enter.

Easy to see why coronavirus spreading so rapidly even though few people about.

At the butcher, a limit of three people. With new highly infectious mutation, limit should be reduced to two people. I wait outside. A woman with mask dropped below her mouth. I raise with butcher. Not for us to enforce. I disagree. Ask to wear mask or leave shop. Speaking straight into your face with no mask.

Baker, limit of three people. I suggest they reduce to two. We are compliant with government regulations. Are these people brain-dead?

Only two stalls open in Central Market, zero waste and fruit and vegetables. I am tempted to buy a box of dates, a bargain at one pound, I look again four pounds, I decide not.

I look in Wilkinsons few people in the shop. But why is it open?

Coffee at Coffee Aroma. No queue. A steady trickle of customers, maybe one every ten minutes.

The only coffee shop I will visit, where they take coronavirus biosecurity seriously, nowhere else does, and their coffee is good. A model of coronavirus biosecurity, other coffee shops should follow their excellent example.

  • form orderly socially distanced queue outside
  • only one customer
  • contactless payment
  • takeaway cups
  • no reusable cups

To go out for a coffee is a breach of lockdown, is a breach of the rules. To take a coffee whilst out for legitimate reasons food shopping or exercise is not.

For me food shopping and exercise.

I am told M&S Food Hall not the coronavirus death trap it has been of late. I chance it. Not crowded and staff tell me it has not been crowded all week. Never spent so much in M&S.

So-called plant-based junk heavily promoted. No, lentil shepherd’s pie is not shepherd’s pie, nor does shepherd’s pie have a long list of ingredients. Shepherd’s pie is a simple dish of lamb, root vegetables  and potatoes. Come end of January, hype of Veganuary over, thee same products will be heavily discounted and sold off

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Caffe Nero lack of social distancing

January 4, 2021

Tuesday of last week, two days before tier 4 on New Year’s Eve, lack of social distancing in Caffe Nero, top end of Lincoln High Street.

Half a dozen people lined up at the counter. Half a dozen people putting themselves and staff at risk. This is an example of why covid-19 is out of control and why a highly infectious strain B117 is spreading like wildfire.

Covid-19 is a respiratory disease, it spreads person-to-person, it spreads through people touching contaminated surfaces.

Not only Caffe Nero.

I think it was the previous week, a family butcher a notice on the door, people not able to count, I counted seven inside, the notice said three.

A local baker, limit of three people posted on the door, people take no notice, often there will be three people stood in the doorway, blocking the way as leave the shop.

Guildford, first Saturday after the second lockdown, first Saturday of December, the town was packed, too many people on the street lack of social distancing. Looking in coffee shops, no social distancing as customers queued for a takeaway coffee.

It is not difficult to form an orderly social distanced queue outside.

Coffee Aroma in Lincoln sets a standard that others need to follow:

  • one customer
  • form an orderly queue outside not blocking the door
  • contactless payment
  • takeaway coffee cups
  • no reusable cups

We prevent spread of covid-19 by avoiding other people, keeping our distance, avoiding overcrowded enclosed spaces.

From midnight, England goes into lockdown. Will remain in lockdown until at least mid-February. England should have gone into knockdown Christmas Day.

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