Coping with COVID-19

Well my husband and I were packed and ready to go in the morning of the 8th of March, on our 34 day cruise from Singapore to Italy finishing in Milan. Yes we had been following the epidemic in Italy and we were very nervous as to whether we should cancel or not. Finally the shipping company cancelled, it was a strange feeling of relief/sadness, so we unpacked our bags. Our plan for the shutdown included a daily 45 min walk and flex and stretch exercises three times a week. We spent an hour and a half every afternoon playing some sort of cards.

I drew up a roster for our Wodonga LAC committee to ring 10 members once every two weeks, so I rang a couple every day or so. Robbie my husband also rang a couple of the men.

My siblings also set up a family group on Messenger and we put some message up every day just to keep in contact. My family, who live close by, managed to walk their dogs past our house.

Some Life Activities Members had their daily walk which went past our house and stood out the front for a chat which was nice. Being very active members of the Club we were feeling the loss of friends.

Now the rules are finally relaxing. Last Friday we were able to go for a walk with some of the members for the first time. One member thought we were walking a bit slow and I said to her it’s not the walk it’s the company. It was a beautiful day and it was so nice to share conversation face to face with friends.

By Sandra McIntosh, Wodonga LAC