Stay united to beat this killer virus, says JUDY FINNIGAN
HI FOLKS, how are you guys doing? This cheery text arrives on my phone several times a week, so now I share it with you. I hope you're all well, coping, and haven't yet reached the end of your tethers.
Boris Johnson 'in good spirits' during recovery
We're OK; let's face it, we're lucky. There's only the two of us here in this nice big house with a garden, and I write opposite an open window looking onto the glorious heath just over the road. Four strolling humans, all adults, are on it at the moment. Earlier there were mums with small children having a great time throwing balls and chasing little dogs. I'm grateful to have this living theatre right outside my window. I miss my own family dreadfully - it's the worst thing about lockdown.
Actually, I lie. The worst thing is fear and anxiety right now. My mood keeps changing. Last week I felt quite bolshie at the new restrictions. Now I wouldn't dare break them. It's not just that Boris spent a few days in intensive care... (Boris! Of all people! That big lumbering bear, exuding life force, struck down). It's the news that's really getting me down - by which I mean the daily teatime bulletins on both BBC1 and ITV. Even though there's only one story now, neither channel has altered its news format one jot.
What I'd like to see on the TV news is a round-up of where we are each day. I want the latest scientific knowledge - I'm still learning new things about the virus every day in the newspapers, but on TV they're reduced to soundbites.
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I'd like far more reports from other countries, insights into what they're doing differently from us.
And I don't want to hear constant sniping from pundits denigrating past government mistakes.We are where we are. They'll be plenty of time for recriminations and political sideswipes when we've got through this. Let's try to work together - and please, journos and politicos, put your egos aside.
As President Truman said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."