Coronavirus: Hayling Island mum urges people to stay inside with heart-wrenching image of the reality of family life

Tanya Vallis took her two- and three-year-old sons Archie and Elliott to visit her widowed nan on Monday, before the ‘lockdown’ guidance was given by the government.

The family had to see each other through 76-year-old Dawn Crawford’s window, to prevent risk of spreading any germs to her - so Tanya took a natural photo of Archie and Dawn showing the sad reality of family life during the ongoing pandemic.

Tanya, 31, wants to send out a message for people to stay inside and save lives during this period of lockdown, aimed at those thinking of ignoring government advice.

She said: ‘This is what you’re doing to little children who don’t understand what’s happening. No one can move on and get on with their lives.

‘I think a lot of people can relate to it. It’s a real photo and this is what’s happening in real life.

‘If people are still going out and still spreading the virus, we’ll be in exactly the same position in two months' time.

‘I hope they can see the reality of what they’re causing by not staying in. The longer people continue with their lives, the longer we can’t see our parents, friends and nans.’

Tanya’s permanent make-up and advanced skincare business had to close down on Friday, and she has found being out of work ‘surreal’.

This is coupled with the strange situation of not being able to physically visit Dawn even though she is only five minutes away, and lives on her own since her husband died two years ago.

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

‘To not see her for this long is heartbreaking,’ said Tanya, who is keeping in touch with Dawn on the phone and through Facetime.

‘You can see how really sad and upset Archie is and I just want to get back to normality.

‘If people just stopped going out for a few weeks it would really slow down. It’s not just a flu, if it was people wouldn’t be shutting down their countries. People need to take it seriously.’

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