What the papers have been saying in the week ending April 4th
We are well and truly in lockdown. Very little finds space in the news or newspapers which is not related to Covid-19: its spread, strategies to contain it, and its consequences for communities and individuals:
- We have had stories and photographs of people who have died before their time – including Hilda Churchill who, though 108, was looking forward to more years http://guardian.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
- Churchgoers complied with stay at home rules, and many attended virtual services via the internet. The Pope spoke to an empty St Peter’s Square http://guardian.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
- Review of deaths in China confirms that the likelihood of death from Covid-19 is higher amongst older people – really from middle age upwards. The overall death rate was 1.38% but the death rate amongst those infected and aged 80+ has been 7.8%. This is probably a phenomenon not dependent on age per se – but complicated by the presence of vulnerability from other illness, poverty and other factors, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/30/new-coronavirus-study-reveals-increased-risks-from-middle-age
The animal kingdom has been affected by the altered behaviour of human beings:
- Goats wandered the streets of Llandudno with no competition from cars or people https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-guardian/20200401/281505048321766
- Gulls in the East Riding pose an extra threat as they search for new sources of food https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/02/beware-hungry-seagulls-during-lockdown-yorkshire-residents-told
People have found innovative ways to support others:
- Free beer, daily diary of owls and other acts of kindness http://guardian.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
- Authors Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have brought us special version of Gruffalo stories to help understand what is going on https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/04/stay-in-your-cave-the-gruffalo-lends-a-claw-to-the-coronavirus-effort
- Amelia Hill cites examples of guerrilla movements amongst older people who are indoors: An 85 year old lady who is part of a church-based telephone support group, an 80 year old who phones his friends with a daily joke! And a network of motor car enthusiasts aged 88-103 who just keep in touch by telephone to talk cars.
Elderly people in UK set up support networks to tackle coronavirus
David Jolley April 2020
