What the papers have been saying – Week ending May 3rd
Many stories are based in personal experiences, losses and learning, but these are linked to wider issues which are affecting many people now and for the future
John Harris began the week with a heartfelt observation: ‘Ageism is deep-rooted in the UK, covid-19 is worsening it’: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/26/prejudice-older-people-coronavirus
This was followed by letters and other articles stating clearly and assuredly that older people are people with views, abilities and generosity to help others. We do not wish to be mothballed or locked away in the name of our own best interests: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/26/dont-let-older-peoples-liberty-be-stolen-during-this-crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/29/we-over-70s-will-fight-for-our-lockdown-liberty
Exposed to daily updates from minsters and their advisors, people have become wary of the language they use. This is suspected of being couched to hide the truth, redirect blame and paint a rosier picture than is reasonable. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/01/the-language-that-disguises-the-governments-failings-on-coronavirus
It has been difficult to follow the statistics of cases, deaths and death rates as this country and other countries have changed the basis for calculations. David Spiegelhalter provides a clear-headed review and analysis. Time will tell he says, but for sure the total weekly death rate from all causes in this country is currently twice what has been seen in recent years at this time of year https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/coronavirus-statistics-what-can-we-trust-and-what-should-we-ignore
The Church is getting more press than usual: The Church of England is catering for people who do not use the internet: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/archbishop-canterbury-launches-free-dial-worship-phone-line-during
Senior clergy have written to The Times, calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to withhold aid from firms who use tax havens. His answer was in the negative – but point well made https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/27/clergy-tax-haven-coronavirus-richard-branson
Return to churchgoing is being planned in Germany, where the hazards of communal singing have been emphasised. Singing together is so good for the soul – and one of the best therapies for people with dementia: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/29/germany-to-set-out-rules-for-religious-services-including-singing-ban
Beyond suffering and deaths, directly consequent upon infection, there are massive indirect consequences: Councils already drained of money to provide basic services by the prolonged years of ‘austerity’, and cuts which affect the most vulnerable people, are now faced with finding money for additional work and to cover lost weeks of services: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/26/coronavirus-crisis-english-councils-funding-shortfall
This will have damaging implications for the vulnerable of all ages:
- More people have been made homeless as their employment is terminated by the lockdown https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/27/london-coronavirus-sacked-hospitality-workers-sleeping-rough
- Foodbanks have twice as many applicants: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/may/01/uk-food-banks-face-record-demand-in-coronavirus-crisis
- People with cancer and other serious illnesses have not been receiving necessary treatments – Some will die when they might have been helped to recover: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/29/extra-18000-cancer-patients-in-england-could-die-in-next-year-study
- There has been a rise of violence and death in the home as tense family situations are denied the space required for people to cool off and regain a sense of proportion: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/28/refuges-from-domestic-violence-running-out-of-space-mps-hear
Life and deaths in care homes have found much needed publicity for their cause – the current struggle with the consequences of covid-19 – and the longer term problems of funding and infra-structure:
- Adita Chakrobortty wrote about his mother’s life – many triumphs born of her bravery and generosity, despite difficulties and prejudices – eventually dying in a care home: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/30/my-mother-life-british-society-coronavirus
We have learned beyond all reasonable doubt that covid-19 is more dangerous to some ethnic groups than others: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8276097/Clear-disparity-ethnic-groups-Covid-19-deaths-IFS-study.html
And we are seeing that poor people are at twice the risk of their better-off neighbours: https://www.itv.com/news/2020-05-02/what-the-papers-say-may-2/
Some things cannot be changed: Some things can be changed, and should be in view of the learning which is being collected.
There have been diversions during the week :
- to the glorious cricket of 1947: https://www.bolchhanepal.com/comptons-summer-of-47-is-the-kind-of-succour-the-nation-needs-now-andy-bull/
- https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/may/01/fond-memories-of-denis-comptons-summer-of-47
- to the extraordinary achievements of Captain Tom https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/01/hes-just-a-wonderful-man-how-captain-tom-became-a-superstar-fundraiser
A sad loss is that of Jill Gascoine who lived and died with Alzheimer’s disease these many final years: Jill Gascoine, Star of ‘The Gentle Touch,’ Dies Aged 83
Many thanks for your support and best wishes to all
David Jolley
