As I sat down to write my life in lockdown update last week I was anxious about the pending update from the Prime Minister. Later that evening I sat, watched and listened to the update on where the UK was with the Coronavirus outbreak. With announced changes to lockdown measures within England. To say that this update was unclear and contradicting is somewhat of an understatement. Quite frankly, I was appalled by the possible timescale for reducing the lockdown measures.
Life carries on without changes
Despite the announced changes and reduction of the lockdown measures, life for us at least continues without any changes.
- Daily exercise – We do not partake in the daily exercises outside of the home. We have opted to keep the children home. So we won’t be heading out to have unlimited daily exercise and certainly won’t be travelling in order to do it – Stay home, stay safe
- Work from home where possible – I continue to work from home, albeit in a much smaller capacity as I have had a large reduction in campaigns and projects. What The Dad Said is still heading out to work as he has done throughout the lockdown. Continuing to work additional shifts, to both help us financially as well as cover the vacancies of those who are shielding.
- School openings – None of the children are in the year groups that potentially will be returning to school at the end of the month. So this is not a decision that we have to make, although, we would be keeping them at home to allow for the children who need to be at school (keyworkers, vulnerable etc.).
- Social distancing meetings – Meeting of others outside of our household still won’t be taking place. We don’t see our family often anyway, so the prolonged lockdown doesn’t mean that we’re missing out.
Sleepovers
Having enjoyed a few sleepovers in Roo’s bedroom during the lockdown. Piglet finally managed to have a sleepover in Tigger’s bedroom. With a mattress on the floor and her bedding she loved watching Pokemon with him before settling down for the night. She is now asking when she can come to sleep in our room.
Migraines
What The Dad Said is burning the candle at both ends. With additional shifts at work, completing tasks around the house and time with the children. His body isn’t taking this well with him suffering from a bout of migraines. I do feel so bad for him doing so much. It must be difficult hearing from friends who are at home furloughed and he is busier than ever.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Ahead of schedule, I received notification that I could apply for the self-employment scheme grant. Originally thinking it would be at least June before I could apply. I’ve completed everything online and have been awarded a SEISS grant. Although I have submitted an appeal as the tax returns they use to gain an average of your earning includes 2016/17 – which I was still on maternity leave for most of the year so had a reduced income. I’m hoping that they will take a look at last years 2019/20 tax return for a more accurate earnings summary.
COVID-19 random testing
We received a letter this week from the Imperial College London, asking whether we would give our permission for Roo to take part in the research trial for COVID-19. They are collecting swabs from a random selection of people from across the UK. It goes without saying that we agreed to it, and we are awaiting a courier collection date in order to complete her samples and send them off for analysis.
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