Well these are certainly strange times it hasn't even been six months since I started working at my job and now I'm back to being at home all day. I unfortunately had to make the decision to take responsibility for my own health and indeed that of my parents who I live with to no longer go to work. I am grateful that my manager and indeed her boss are both understanding and I have a letter from my GP to satisfy senior staff as to why I'm not at work. As part of having Treacher Collins Syndrome I have a narrow airway and for the most part it does not affect my day to day life but given the risk that the Coronavirus poses and the fact that it is a respiratory illness I did not feel I could continue working. Given the nature of the work I do it is impossible for me to work from home as I need expensive and large laboratory equipment to carry out my work not to mention working with bacteria and hazardous chemicals. I found out towards the end of last week that the lab I work in has actually been shut down but the site where I work hasn't so apparently my colleagues who are still in work have been moved to other departments on a temporary basis.
So at the moment things are very uncertain, I have no idea when I will be able to go back to work. I'm also unable to volunteer at the animal sanctuary as only staff members are allowed in at the moment. I really hope that people follow the government instructions and limit the spread of infection but that said I've been going out for long walks to get fresh air and exercise and have come across people who clearly don't understand the concept of social distancing. My plan is to take things day by day and try to enjoy the unexpected downtime but also try and use it in a positive or productive way. Hopefully as part of that I will be able to write more for this blog.
Keep safe,
James
