Guernsey Press

Life with the volume turned down

LOCKDOWN: Day One.

Published

Like putting up the storm shutters in anticipation of a hurricane, there was an eerie quietness to much of Guernsey yesterday.

The thrum of traffic was muted, there were no planes overhead and the birdsong made itself heard as people and businesses took their isolation seriously.

It was not universal. It would be a surprise if it was. Buses still ran, post vans delivered the mail and bulk deliveries of everything from petrol to food continued.

It became clear how many people – from shop staff to telecoms engineers and, of course, healthcare workers – cannot just retreat to the safety of their home.

Those who can – even when the walls are closing in – can at least take solace in the security of their home environment.

After the announcement came late on Tuesday evening there were also businesses making safe their building sites and premises in preparation for the long wait. The number of works vans bustling about should drop off today.

And there were reports of a few foolish people ignoring the instructions and pretending this crisis cannot affect them and their loved ones.

They should prepare for some condemning looks and a chat with the police.

It was the first day and the island was still learning what it means to be in lockdown. All the news reports from around the world cannot prepare people for this strangely muted world.

It may be some time before the Bailiwick stirs again. The 11 million people of Wuhan, the sprawling Chinese city at the centre of the pandemic, are only now hopeful of coming out of a more severe version of lockdown after two months.

We shall see. One thing that has been clear about this crisis is that nothing can be ruled out. The actions taken already are beyond anything any government could have envisaged.

Before the end of this lockdown we should start to see whether those actions have made a difference, or if stricter measures are required.