Saturday, March 21: The last morning of absolute freedom but I don’t know this yet. Our borders are closed and confirmed cases of coronavirus are rising. The mood nationwide is tense and talk of a lockdown is everywhere. There is less contact among people, cafes are quieter, large gatherings are forbidden, we’re limiting our movements. I buy naan bread and baklava from the Kurdish Bakery in Holland Rd. The owner, Kazimiya, pauses from kneading the dough in the kitchen. She is worried about the business, feeling the knock-on effects of uncertainty. Restaurants that the bakery supplies have stopped ordering as people are increasingly reluctant to eat out. I buy extra naan and give some to Nicola, and to Guy and Anna next door. It is a drop in the bucket for the sales they need. Kazimiya and I open our arms to each other but don’t hug.
A bride texts to cancel a wedding in April. Too risky now, she says.
At 12 noon, it happens. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the nation from her Beehive office and announces the Government’s four-level plan to fight coronavirus which is now possibly into community transmission. In Level 2, there is a strong recommendation that people over 70 years old should simply stay home; they are among the country’s most vulnerable in this health crisis. “Good God,” I say out loud, “she’s talking about me.”
Ardern signals that Levels 3 & 4 may not be far away; Level 4 will be a national lockdown aimed at breaking the chain of the rapidly spreading virus.
Venetia and I reluctantly cancel two French movies at the Lido in Hamilton’s CBD, and dinner at the Dumpling House in Bryce St. Campbell (younger son) phones later to reiterate the message from the PM about over-70-year-olds being vulnerable. Each time I mention something I may still be able do, he says, “Mum, they’ve told you to stay home.” No wriggle room. Friends report similar bossy messages from their offspring; one of them refers to her sons as the Gestapo.
I think Richard (older son) is relieved I’ve just postponed a trip to Nelson to write about Te Koi Lodge, owned by former Hamiltonians Alison and Ian Metcalfe. The lodge recently won a major international award, the temporary closure will be tough for them.
Trudi, my god-daughter, texts from Thames. Please let me know if you need anything, she says. Duncan, my young cousin, says the same thing. So much kindness.
I light a candle tonight, a Christmas gift from Kerril. Shining a light in a troubled world.
