Coronavirus: Christmas lights bring joy to locked-down neighbourhoods in bid to keep spirits up

One of the many ways people are brightening up the neighbourhood mood is to decorate their homes and gardens with fairy and Christmas lights while most people are in self-isolation.

A Facebook group called #HitTheSwitch was started by Angie Kennedy from Waterlooville to encourage others to get involved with sharing some colour and love, and more than 400 people have joined.

The idea came about when 53-year-old Angie was walking her dog Kelsey with her 13-year-old neighbour Spencer Cartwright and his dog Bella, and they were inspired by the light-up collars the pets wear at night.

Mum-of-two Angie, who is self-isolating at home with her husband Mike due to having some coronavirus symptoms, said: ‘It’s just come from us laughing at the dogs’ lights and that’s it, it was off. It’s brilliant.

‘I can’t see my children at the moment but there’s a way of connecting with people, it just brings it to you.

‘I think for the majority it’s lifting people’s spirits and that’s what it’s about. What else can you do for someone if you can’t make them smile?’

Members as far away as Canada and Sweden have been getting involved with the idea in their own communities, and Angie said it is nice to connect with other people they have never met in this time of global crisis.

‘It’s really giving people some hope and connecting us to people we don’t know,’ she said.

‘People are coming together which, through the horrible stuff that’s happening, there’s some good.

‘It’s absolutely amazing, it’s making me so happy it is going so far.’

Jo Harris from Leigh Park is one of the keen community members who has joined in with the display, putting blue lights up around her house for reasons close to her heart.

She said: ‘We light up blue for the NHS including my mum - huge respect to you all. Also lighting up blue for autism, very close to our hearts with three little ones at home with autism.’

Angie is keen for more people to #HitTheSwitch and join in to brighten everyone’s day, which can be from something as small as posting a picture of coloured lights inside their home.

She said: ‘Regardless of financial status, we’re all in the same position. We have been levelled and it’s so important to come together and show that we’re all there for each other.

‘We will learn a lesson from this and that’s to be a little bit nicer to people. If we look out and see some lights going, it gives you a bit of hope. It’s just something to bring a little bit of light and love.’

To join in with the #HitTheSwitch movement, join the Facebook group for some inspiration on how you can get involved.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS