David Randini is calling on Islanders to share their pandemic stories so future generations can see what we all went through at the time.
Mr Randini says:
“I have been approached by local press for my pandemic stories but knowing Islanders their stories will be much better than mine. I was more prepared than most as I had been studying the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.
Article continues below this advertisement “My mother-in-law’s grandfather unfortunately died from it returning from serving in the First World War. An estimated half-a-million people died – perhaps more – yet little was taught about it in our schools.
“I found a clip on YouTube of an American in his 90s describing how families were wiped out in a day, social distancing, masks (sound familiar) – I guess the words bizarre and surreal best decibel that time.”
David lists the following memory joggers concerning the pandemic:
“Hands /Face /Space, the masks the lockdowns, from herd immunity to isolation tactics and back again. Those spots on the pavement six feet apart, the overwhelming of the NHS, the clapping every Thursday, you could only meet groups of four or six, eat out to help out (you can sit down in a restaurant to eat but must wear a mask to stand. The conspiracy theories (or were they?)
“Those bizarre daily briefings where the press spent 3 weeks asking about a bloke who went to Durham instead of finding out what was going on.
Article continues below this advertisement “The furlough scheme, which saved some businesses. The vaccine, the empty beaches and roads. The sudden blue skies and seas. The panic buying and empty shelves. The run on toilet rolls and pasta.
“Most of all to those who suffered terrible loss, who could not visit loved ones, the limited numbers to both funerals and weddings.”
Mr Randini adds:
“My story will tell you how I joined our heroes in both the care sector and my time spent helping in the Covid ward at St Mary’s, but I’m sure your stories will be more interesting than mine.”
Sadly David many of my relations who took the
vaccines have suffered side effects and are now
on medication for life.
A relative lost her mum during the pandemic and
was not able to have family attend the funeral.
Some family members lost their jobs during the
pandemic, all in all it was a tough time and sadly many
people are still affected by the pandemic.
Let’s hope and pray another pandemic does not come
along for at least another 100 years.
Stay safe.