OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

When in doubt, read poetry. This beautiful collection arrived in my postbox just in time for my first bout of stage four loadshedding and my stint at isolation due to Covid-19 exposure. One of my dear friends with whom I have had close contact in the last few days tested positive for Covid-19. The results arrived late this morning and turned our lives upside down. My friend is very sick and all my secular prayers go out to her and her family. May she make a full and speedy recovery. I have spoken to a doctor friend, informed everyone I had any kind of significant contact with in the last few days since my exposure, cancelled all my appointments, meetings and social engagements, and settled down to my isolation.

I can’t say that I have prepared well for this eventuality (near empty pantry/fridge, no relevant medication, etc.), and, of course, I am worried about possible symptoms – all imaginary so far – and, most of all, the risk to my recovering love with whom I have spent quite a lot of time since my exposure, but I am trying to stay as positive (mood-wise) as I can.

After discussing the logistics of my isolation with my love (I am going to miss him soooooo much!) and cancelling all my engagements for the next while, I just sat in the sun and had a mug of rooibos tea with honey and lemon from my garden and soaked up the healthiness of nature. My doctor friend said to keep hydrated, eat healthy, rest and not panic.

I spoke to Mom and Krystian on Skype before loadshedding and read during the time I was without electricity. I have not cried, although there were a few moments where I was close to tears.

It all feels like lockdown level five all over again. Plus loadshedding.

These are dark times indeed. Good night.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD