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

— @HaggardHawks

Fourteen days later, still no symptoms – my self-isolating days are over (for now). On the day of my ‘close contact’, we did social distance, we wore masks for most of the time (unless drinking or eating, but seated well apart around a big table), had all doors and windows open, and never hugged or touched while greeting one another. No one got sick (apart from my friend who was already infected with Covid-19, but did not know it at the time). It could have been that we were very lucky, but I think that these non-pharmaceutical safety measures (distance, ventilation, masks) probably prevented further infections (unless asymptomatic). My ill friend is also recovering. We count our lucky stars.

An emotional day on all fronts. I watched an online funeral service for the first time. Yolisa Qunta was laid to rest today. Even though I hardly knew her, it felt quite overwhelming and I could not watch all of it – but I did listen to some truly touching tributes. She is remembered and missed.

Two lovely visitors arrived on my stoep today: one of my step-granddaughters and her husband. She was the first of André’s grandchildren to get married and I attended the wedding last year just before the lockdown. It was so good to see this beautiful young couple again and to witness once more how much in love and happy they are. They clearly belong together and the beauty of their togetherness makes one feel inspired. Although watching them, I also felt bruised by my own experiences, and old, and cynical in comparison. Loss of innocence and deep regrets can do that to one.

After some intense work, I finally left the property for the first time in ten days late in the afternoon and took my love’s cat to her vet for an antibiotic injection and then took her home and had dinner with my love. It was amazing to see each other without masks again.

Over ten thousand daily infections are becoming the norm and I guess it is going to be very difficult again to stay out of harm’s way, but I am determined to at least try, to find a balance of being in the world but in a safe and responsible way. It was so nice to get behind Topolino’s wheel again :) I have to renew my car and driver’s licenses in the next few weeks … Deep sigh.

Very tired tonight.

Good night.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

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

— NICD