Last week’s normality feels like a world away from this | Cheryl Gibbs

Never before in our generation and our parents’ generation’s history has there been a government-imposed lockdown because of a global pandemic.

I mean who knew when we rang in the New Year that 2020 would pan out like this?

It’s beyond scary. I, like so many others, was a bit blasé about the whole thing to begin with, thinking that perhaps the media was doing a bit of scare-mongering and I have no problem admitting when I am wrong and how wrong we all were.

A week since my last column came out and our world has changed beyond imagination and as I sit here in my lounge for what feels like the hundredth time this week.

Everything is so quiet. We live in Catherington, right on the outskirts of Clanfield, and while we look out to beautiful views, the road in front of our bungalow is usually quite busy at certain times of the day. But it’s so quiet and a little eerie.

It’s funny what we all take for granted and I hope, if nothing else, we all come out of this with a bit more humility and patience with one another.

I’ve noticed a bit more comradery this week on my once-daily walk.

People saying ‘hello’ or nodding in a sign of mutual understanding; people giving each other wide berths and the respect we all must demonstrate.

When I was queuing at the pharmacy the other day for Harley, standing the obligatory distance from the person in front of me, the guy at the very front of the queue asked me if I’d like him to check if the pharmacy had what I needed so I didn’t have to queue in vain.

It’s difficult to comprehend the times we’re in – they’re unknown waters to attempt to navigate but I strongly believe if we all pull together and show each other the respect and distance this virus commands, we will come back stronger than ever.

I truly believe that. Stay safe guys and please remember this is not a holiday – stay home, stay indoors and stay alive.

I’m not a fan of Boris, but credit where credit is due

I’m by no means a fan of Boris Johnson. Ever since I was presenting on the radio on 107.4 The Quay all those years ago and he visited Portsmouth making derogatory comments about our great city I’ve taken a disliking to him.

But I have to admit I feel a bit sorry for him as he tries to navigate this – he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.

While I don’t think he has the public-facing persona that a PM really should have to gain respect, nor do I think he made it particularly clear who should go to work and who shouldn’t, I really do believe he’s doing his best to ensure that we don’t come out of this in a deep dark depression and you have to give him kudos for that.

I wish I was more prepared with DIY during lockdown

Being indoors hasn’t had the kind of impact on me that it would have on others.

Ever since Harley was born seven weeks ago, I’ve stayed in more than I ever have. But being told you can’t go out and you can’t visit friends and family is difficult to adjust to. It’s like the forbidden fruit but we’re adhering to the rules because they are here to keep us all safe.

Matt is also not working because building conservatories is not essentialdespite so much other construction still taking place – surely it can wait people?

I just wish we had been a bit more prepared and I could have put him to work in the house or garden…