ANDREW STANLEY

Name: Andrew Stanley. 

Age at mid-March 2020: It varies according to how I feel but usually between 30 and 90 !

When did you first begin to realise coronavirus was something out of the ordinary? 

When I was unable to visit the pub and Fulham's games were postponed - around mid- March.

When did it first impact you in a significant way?

More significant than the  pub and Fulham??? I suppose it was from that time as I became the sole contact/visitor for my mum. 

In what way? 

From that point I have visited my mum daily to assist her with lunch and household chores. She hardly saw anyone else for the next 4 months and even now, just family visits to her garden. I think she is really fed up with seeing me! One of my family is also vulnerable due to a long-term condition so we didn't want to bring the virus into our own house either. 

How worried did you become and why?

We did our best to follow the rules and were fairly confident it would be OK. I suppose my main concern were the totally selfish idiots who carried on regardless. The daily news bulletins with details of numbers dying, suffering involved and that hospitals might not cope were the sad and worrying issues. 

Are you still worried and why?

It's a bit of a balance. Lots of restrictions have eased and a majority seem confident we are over the virus. Worried is too strong but a local spike would be unhelpful! 

What were the biggest problems coping with lockdown?

Not being able to meet people and queuing at the shops. I don't like shopping at any time but having to wait to get in!!!! 

How did you manage? 

Like most people, just got on with it. There was much to like about lockdown that I would love to have stayed. For a few weeks the traffic was so light it was a joy. No planes in the sky - it felt like nature was winning for a while and the environment could breathe. People out walking - everyone being friendly and helping others. 

Were there times when you despaired?

Not despair but disappointed at those people and businesses that totally ignored advice. A certain building company working in Badsell Road that never stopped working and never socially distanced at any time. I feel better for saying that. 

What kept you (keeps you) going?

I never felt despondent. There were still jobs to be done and online meetings were soon introduced. I think the thought of my next pint in my local was a big factor! 

What was your lowest moment?

I can't say that I had one. 

What was your best/funniest memory? 

My mum's memory isn't what it was. She was sorting through her store of birthday cards she keeps and found one ready for a 75-year-old. Looking at me she casually asked whether that would be ok for me. However bad I feel (see above) I am some way off in reality!!! I still visit her. 

Do you think the government handled/is handling the crisis satisfactorily?

This has been an incredibly difficult thing to deal with. Lots of people are wise after the event. The govt. followed medical advice and I can't see that they could have done otherwise (imagine the criticism if they had). Maybe it was slow to see the problems in care homes.

Coming out of lockdown has been a bit more random/chaotic but there was a point where it was clear that economic necessities were beginning to gain the upper hand. There will be much post-virus analysis but I don't think they have done a bad job. I would also add that our combination of population density (in England) and obesity levels may have caused our fairly high mortality rates. 

Please add anything else of your experiences during the pandemic. 

I have done a lot of walking and seen far more people out doing the same. That has been a positive. It makes it so obvious why we need green, open spaces adjacent to where we live. 

Were you also affected by flooding on the night of February 9? 

I'm pleased to say no to this but desperately sorry for those that were