Today we had a visit from the security company technician, and long overdue despite several requests; though that’s not as simple as it sounds, and is certainly not a complaint.
As the first person into the house in weeks, his visit felt very threatening. The guy himself wasn’t threatening. He came well covered with a high grade mask, and stood very well back when talking to me. What I did feel threatening was that, although his visit was scheduled, and despite his company uniform and identifying badge, he was a total stranger, and in this time of isolation I felt very, very aware that this stranger might be carrying this dreadful virus right into our house. And yet, someone who is a friend or well known to us could also just as easily bring the virus into our house. We have to realise everyone is a threat, really.
I opened all the windows and had air passing through the house. I watched him the whole time and as he left I sprayed disinfectant onto every surface he touched, and I then totally washed my hands. And hours later, I still haven’t touched the paper customer copy of his worksheet he put on the coffee table for our record.
How times have changed – this person is possibly no more a Covid-19 carrier than I am, but, on the other hand, each of us must treat everyone we come across in such unavoidable ‘close’ situations as a potential threat. Life will never be the same again.