Coronavirus

Coronavirus or Corvid 19 has put an early end to my new 'career' as School Crossing Patrol Officer. Ending a monthly wage of £203 per month or £50 per week over a 52 week year.
The country has been in 'lock down' for 2 weeks now, schools having closed to pupils the week before the Easter Holidays. All GSCE and A Level exams have been stopped, colleges, universities, places of work and all shops excluding supermarkets and high street food shops have been closed. Most of the 'workforce' are either working from home or claiming income benefits from the government.
Surreal situation with hospital focusing on respiratory conditions related to coronaviral infections. All cold cases stopped, GP surgeries closed. Pharmacies and dentists restricting customers/clients.
We are only allowed to go out for 1) once a day walk near home. 2) Food shopping once a week.3) Visits to chemist/doctor as emergency only. Otherwise the message enforced by the Police is to 'Stay At Home'.
Banks closed and cash not to be used as infection risk, card payments only for goods. No travel allowed, airlines closed as are coach companies. The holiday market has collapsed as has travel companies and Stock Exchange as we enter a 'Global Recession'.
Covid 19 kills the over 80's and those with respiratory/heart conditions. Few if any children are fatally infected.  Majority of cases present with mild 'flu' like symptoms only. E.g. PM and Cabinet colleagues plus Prince Charles have been mildly ill and have tested positive for the virus.

How much longer will the lock down go until the virus has run its course? Vaccination seems months away and there have been 'new' Nightingale Emergency Hospitals created to take patients infected and in respiratory distress. Deaths so far in UK around 1,500 infected around 20,000 and rising.

'Lollipop Man'

First half-term over so have been in post for 5 weeks. No real problems but have had one 'incident' when a student from Brxham College cycled into the rear of a stationary 4x4 whilst I was stepping onto the crossing. 14 year old was badly winded and shaken but otherwise OK and he left the scene on his bike after 10 minutes. The driver reported the incident to the relevant school authorities and I sent a report to my supervisor.
Another rather irritating event was when a couple of lads, on one bike, cycled across me whilst allowing pedestrians to cross. Narrowly missing me they shouted out F~~~ you you Nob Head!!
The weather has been rather stormy with gale force winds and heavy downpours of ran. Storm Ciara and Denis are responsible for my current half term head cold!
                                                                                   

New Year New Job!

6th January 2020 I started a new job as a Torbay Council 'Lollipop Man' - A School Patrol Officer! Based at Brixham C of E Primary School and Community College. 5 days a week during term times - 08.15hrs to 0.9.15hrs - 14.50hrs to 15.40hrs. Photo 1 at Brixham and photo 2 'training' at Paignton.