Have to self isolate. Happy Xmas.

[Soph0571]

Sooooo, spent all day yesterday in several meetings with a chap who today tested positive. In theory, that should not mean I have to self isolate. Lateral flow tests everyday should keep me moving, but have you met London? When he called me today I masked up and went on a lateral flow hunt in my area - none to be found... *sigh*. So ordered a PCR test to be delivered - the nearest testing centre is 4.8 miles away and I am not allowed to use public transport, so that was not going to work. Problem, depending when I get the results of the PCR - Xmas and bank holidays suggest next Wednesday at the earliest, means I am stuck in the flat. I cannot order the lateral flow tests online until the PCR test comes through, so even if I get a negative from the PCR it will be new year weekend before i get any lateral flow tests, if I am lucky. Basically I will have to self isolate from yesterday for 10 days to be sure not to be a germ bucket.

London is filthy with Omi, but at least as of right now, no symptoms!

Ho Ho Woe.

[Celerity]

1. So sorry to hear this!

[BigmanPigman]

2. 106,000 new cases in the UK...WOW!

I can see why you will need to go through this. It sucks! We'll be with you sooner than later.

[sheshe2]

3. Oh, honey.

[Soph0571]

5. Yeah

It was gong to be hard enough, first Xmas in the flat on my own, but this just sucks.

[sheshe2]

7. Concentrate on your beautiful tree.

I am so sorry you will be on your own for Christmas.

[FalloutShelter]

4. Take good care Soph!

[alwaysinasnit]

6. Sorry to hear that Soph. I wish you well, and that you have a safe and happy New Year.

[hlthe2b]

8. For two years now, I've pulled off my grimy N95, scrubbed my hands and exposed skin nearly raw..

before collapsing to try to sleep after an all-too-long shift. But the part I hate the most is checking in with myself to see if I'm experiencing any symptoms. Runny nose ? (yeah, but probably from the damned mask for hour upon hour)... Throat sore? What's that "tickle?" Tired? Are you f..ing kidding me? how could I not be? Headache? check but probably stress and fatigue. That I haven't been infected yet, despite all my exposure pre-vaccine is probably the most inexplicable thing to date.

So, I feel for you because I simply can't make any personal subjective assessments--at least for early mild symptoms-- anymore. I am blessed with an extremely consistent early morning temp of 97-97.1 and consistently normal PAO2 (pulse oximeter) data--so a change there may be my only early indicator..

May you remain well.

[Laurelin]

13. It' must be terrible.

I'm so sorry. It's hard enough to be a normal person with allergies these days: I have all five of the top omicron symptoms this morning but that's just normal! The difference is that I can stay home or do a rapid test if I have plans to see people, so my self assessment doesn't matter like yours does.

I hope this wave passes quickly and people stay out of the hospital.

[hlthe2b]

15. Thanks... Like everyone, all we want is an "end in sight." Even an extended "pause," given the clear

evidence this thing is going to go endemic for the indefinite future, intermixed with regional "flare-ups" and the occasional "explosive" variants going worldwide.

But, an extended "pause" is desperately needed.

Stay as safe, protected, and healthy as you can, folks, and out of the hospital ERs. That is NOT where you want to be right now--for any reason. I speak to US hospitals, but I would have a hard time thinking it is not similar in the UK now.

[brer cat]

9. I'm so sorry Soph.

Take care.

[AndyS]

10. Oh dear Soph . . .

It's not the same but there're group calls, Zoom or something like it. Let your people know your predicament and reach out. You aren't alone. There are those of us who care about and for you. Wish we could be nearer and with you real time.

Meanwhile rely on that incredible sense of humor and the sympathy you show us colonists to keep your spirits up and decrepit thinking at bay.

[niyad]

11. (((((((((Soph))))))))) So very sorry to hear this. Sending vibes for healing and strength

and endurance. Please know that you DU family is here for you, even if not in person.

[Laurelin]

12. Last Christmas was the first ring I didn't spend with my kids

We all got together on zoom for a murder mystery party. It actually helped a lot to see the family and old friends and do something together. It really was more fun than just a zoom call. I think there are a lot of old fashioned online games as well as the usual modern ones.

I'm sorry you're having a terrible holiday. At least I have always been able to go outside to walk or ride a bike; being stuck in an apartment sounds terrible.

Stay strong! I hope it passes quickly.

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. Oh, what a bummer, Soph.

Sorry to hear the LF tests are just all gone. Hope you have plenty of people to zoom and facetime to give you a virtual Christmas, if not an in-person one!

[T_i_B]

16. Oh no!

I'm guessing that Christmas may involve a fair few WhatsApp calls. Hope you still manage to have a good one!

[LeftishBrit]

17. Happy Christmas and stay well!

Sorry about the hassle, even if all fine otherwise!