In seven days the world has shrunk; self-isolating, working remotely to supporting my organisation’s response to Coronavirus, even intermittent chats to friends are no longer about holidays or things we’ve been up to, but about the virus. Is the family well? What’s the latest disrupton? How are your mum and dad?

So, since my life consist of little else, some passing thoughts, inspired, by Coronavirus.

Silver linings.

Barney and I run each day not just weekends. If we meet anyone, we keep our distance, but feeling better and fitter, mentally and physically, and Barney seems to think it’s an improvement. The ground is less muddy; the mornings have been sunny; the fields are drying out.

I’ve also been out in the garden. Fresh air, sunshine, bit of gentle digging and weeding; it’s amazing how a little bit of horticultural TLC improves that neglected look.

Friend of mine has been off road cycling. Another running… Pippa’s even bought an electric bike… Not just spring that has sprung… Jacqui’s garden centre - closed to personal shoppers, delivering food from their café to isolated people; running ‘click and collect’ to encourage people to get out in their gardens.

Neighbours are talking (well, WhatsApping) each other. ‘Any of you self-isolaters need anything? just popping down to Waitrose?’ ‘Delivery on Tuesday from Tesco – loo rolls or beans anyone?’ ‘Spare plain flour…?’ ’Does Barney want a walk on Sunday?’ A veritable, virtual garden fence.

Jobs that could only be done in the office are suddenly viable from home; key workers now include posties, shop and council workers alongside NHS staff, the police and firemen. Let’s hope our collective memories survive the crisis and we continue to value people for their contribution to our collective well-being, not simply for how much they can make for shareholders.

But there are dark clouds

A government perpetually behind the public curve, exhorting and shaming people into social distancing rather than taking hard decisions; dragged kicking and screaming before introducing enforceable measures that other countries have already implemented; delaying insisting that people remain at home – a delay that will be borne in unnecessary deaths of frontline health workers and the vulnerable elderly. Shameful.

Food banks are bankrupt. The army of elderly volunteers is isolating; surplus food, a thing of the past. The most vulnerable, who for the last decade have paid the price for austerity will now pay the heaviest price for the effects of Coronavirus. Little chance of isolation if you’re homeless. If a school dinner is the only hot meal you ever have, a voucher for coke and crisps will be cold comfort to a neglected child.

Decades of under investment in our health service, in both staff and equipment are coming home to a costly roost. Dark clouds indeed.

Adversity – bringing out the best and the worst in us. Good luck.