Coronavirus: Communities in Hampshire finding ways to stay happy and spread hope during lockdown

Plenty of children and adults have been showing off their creative talents by painting rainbows to display in their windows across the country.

Thousands of children are being encouraged to make these pictures to ‘spread hope’ amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Victoria Vassallo from Leigh Park works for the NHS as a mental health support worker, but has had to self-isolate for the safety of her children Amelia, seven, and two-year-old Aiden.

They have painted a beautiful rainbow on their upstairs window to delight passersby and keep spirits high.

Victoria said: ‘We are going to be doing everything we can to keep a positive message and keep the community spirits high in this terrifying and uncertain time.’

This idea has taken off across the area, with six-year-old Kash Symmons and Dacia Symmons, nine, putting up rainbows and unicorns in the windows of their Hayling Island home.

Mum Charlene Pearce said: ‘While our children are home they have drawn pictures of rainbows and put them in our windows to try and cheer up the front line and key workers so they could see it on their way to work.’

Joining in with painting rainbows, among other fun activities, are Caroline White and her 80-year-old dad Colin Wright in Copnor.

Caroline, 41, has had to move in with Colin for self-isolation to care for him as he has dementia and is nonverbal after a laryngectomy due to throat cancer.

The pair have been making lovely memories together through arts and crafts, playing swingball and exercising in the garden.

Caroline said: ‘We had a lovely donation from people off Facebook of arts and crafts materials.

‘We’re just making memories and playing games to keep him laughing.’

Carers are still coming in for an hour every day to help Colin, which gives Caroline time to head to the shops and collect items for elderly neighbours who are also in need.

Another idea spreading some laughter in one family is grandmother Lynne Tandy, who has been dressing up on Facetime to read her grandchildren a bedtime story.

Her three daughters and grandchildren have been enjoying the silliness in these uncertain times.

Lynne dressed as Alice in Wonderland the first night, and each day her costume choice will be a surprise until everyone comes online for the bedtime story.

She said: ‘We all enjoy the shared time and laugh so much, it really lifts my spirits.’

Care homes have been making sure residents do not feel isolated and setting up unique methods of communication to get through the lockdown.

Jackie Dunford from Elson, Gosport, visited her mum Rosemary Clarke who lives in Elizabeth Lodge care home in Alverstoke but wanted to keep everyone safe.

Rosemary has dementia but Jackie regularly visits, and on her most recent visit the care home handed Rosemary the phone so they could chat.

Jackie, 67, said: ‘It was great to be able to see and speak to mum. The girls at Elizabeth Lodge have been wonderful in looking after my mum and the other residents during this difficult time.

‘They are making every effort to make sure we can stay in touch with our relatives by using facetime and other methods. A huge thank you to them.’

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