Lockdown 5/28 – The Frontline

Day 5 of my diary of a LOTR Fan Museum owner during our 4 week national lockdown - in NZ we’re uniting as a country to beat Covid-19 to break the chain and save lives, but …

Yesterday we had our first virus death, and it’s so sad and sobering. Our condolences to the family at this sad time. And so hard grieving amidst the lockdown.

This sad case has also sent some frontline emergency staff into quarantine because it was thought she had flu and people didn’t wear full protective gear. I also heard on the news this morning about the high numbers of frontline medics in Italy who have died.

My family and closest friends are no exception in having frontline staff. It’s Monday, and my family members are back to work …

My sister is a midwife, and there has been an issue about how much protective gear (PPE) they need when checking people with no symptoms. She and my mum (that she lives with and who’s over 80) have been making masks. This feels very real and I’m worried for her and all our frontline emergency people.. I do think our government is listening though and decisions are being made really fast and responsively.

My beloved has gone to work at a hospital again today. Not “frontline” but still exposed. No PPE. My nephew does community work. Another sister works in a different clinical role at a hospital, and she’s been told to expect to be re-purposed into other work at the hospital due to need. Will they get PPE? My BFF (and bosom LOTR companion) – her husband and son are also medics in Australia and NZ.

Bring on a mithril shirt and Sting to glow blue when the virus is near! Today I am beaming out the protection of the sacred fire, the flame of Arnor, to all those on the frontline, whether medical, backroom, police, supermarkets, cleaners, drivers. You are heros and we will sing of you! Kathy x