So here we are in the middle of a global pandemic. About 105,000 people have died so far across the world. Ireland is not unscathed by this terrible tragedy. The shops are closed, schools shut, sporting events cancelled, outdoor events are banned. This is a very strange time in Irish history. There is a sort of feeling that world has stood still. A lot of people feel lonely at home and quite bored. The lockdown is expected to last at least another three weeks.
Watching the news these can be quite depressing so I try to limit how much I read about that. Going outside feels alien, especially when you see people with face masks and latex gloves. This is certainly a situation that hasn't any similarity to any recent events. When standing in a queue, people are encouraged to stand at least 2m apart from each other to prevent the further transmission of the virus. The virus is thought to be spread by droplets so its suggested people stay at this distance in the case of droplets spreading by a cough or sneeze.
It seemed when the virus first reached Europe, people did not take it seriously. People carried on like life was normal. They still flocked to popular destinations, ignoring warnings about social distancing. It wasn't until the government placed a lockdown on the country that people began to get the message that this was something serious. Emergency legislation was passed by the Dáil to give the Gardaí new powers to arrest and fine people for violating the lockdown. There were some people who criticised the measures as being too draconian but I think most people saw them as necessary to enforce compliance.
Its been a long time since Ireland experienced a global pandemic like this, not at least since the Spanish flu from 1918-1920. As history unfolds, It can be difficult to predict how events will turn out. There is a palpable nervousness throughout the nation and across the world. People are concerned for their elderly relatives and relatives with existing medical issues - the people who are at most risk from this virus.
