Yes, hello again. People have been worrying, apparently, so I’ve been meaning to pop back and reassure everyone that I’m fine.
Then this happened.
Then this happened.
I’m still fine, though. Well, mainly. I mean, as fine as it gets, for me.
My wife was symptomatic, is the thing, and had been travelling to affected areas. She’s fine, too, but now I’m also mildly symptomatic, and since I’m somewhat high-risk, well, we seem to be doing this.
My wife was symptomatic, is the thing, and had been travelling to affected areas. She’s fine, too, but now I’m also mildly symptomatic, and since I’m somewhat high-risk, well, we seem to be doing this.
Rest assured that we’ve been strenuously compliant with the isolation guidelines. Like, Hotel Overlook compliant. Murders are very much imminent. In fact, this will be my first time outside the house since the Before Time.
I’m quite looking forward to that bit, actually. Just think, I’ll get to drive somewhere alone in the car. Then I’ll get to interact briefly with some non-family members. I mean, they’ll be wearing a lot of protective equipment and sticking things in me, but still. I can’t wait.
Anyway, I thought I'd document the thing a bit, since it might prove modestly helpful or informative. I might even include some pictures, although I'll need to be circumspect about the test centre itself.
So, further updates to follow. Meanwhile, stay safe, fellow shut-ins.
So, further updates to follow. Meanwhile, stay safe, fellow shut-ins.
Oh, and stay, needless to say, the fuck inside.
I have arrived. The vibe is obviously somewhat Outbreak, but the scene is nonetheless calm and orderly. (I’m sharing selected images on the basis that the identities of the healthcare workers are conveniently obscured.)
Some background here. Testing in Ireland is being conducted on referral by GPs. You don’t need to (and should not) present at clinics for these. Screening is done over the phone, and referrals are then transmitted electronically, resulting in a text notification (see above).
The notification directs you to the nearest test centre, of which there are currently 31. Technically, these are just sample collection centres, with the actual testing conducted (for non-acute hospital cases) by the staff of overworked heroes at @nvrlucdireland.
On arrival at the test centre, your details are confirmed and you are directed to wait in your car. You are given a mask to put on, which I have duly done. (Switching to monochrome here because, hey, it’s a look and besides, I absolutely live for the drama.)
Right, I’ve been processed. They get you to, ahem, clear your passages and that, er, product is safely disposed of. They then take swabs from your throat and nasopharyngeal membranes. It’s quick and minimally invasive and Trump is just a whiny baby man.
Everyone was terribly sweet but impeccably professional. The protocols seemed very safe and carefully observed. On my way out, I was issued with this snazzy PPE pack and instructed to remain in isolation at home.
I should pause here to note that literally none of this testing infrastructure existed just two weeks ago. All of this (personnel, test kits, training, documentation, IT infrastructure, etc.) has been spun up from zero to the current level of approx. 1,200 tests per day.
There’s obviously no room for complacency, but everyone involved deserves huge credit. It’s honestly pretty amazing, and they have my utmost gratitude and respect.
Right, then. I’m returning to my quarters, but not before stopping off in a place I know will be deserted, and where I know I will glimpse something of the spring I would usually be bathing in from dawn to dusk. I need that right now, just for half an hour. It will have to last.
All right, lads. Don’t mind me.
Wow, super relieved to have this point confirmed. I can stop hosing down the router with bleach, I guess.
Sorry, I shouldn’t take the piss. There’s lots of helpful and sensible guidance too. It’s just, you know.
