As I Suspected.

Way back in 1986 somehow I got a B in O Level biology. I say somehow in the sense that despite the efforts of my 3rd form teacher, what we call year 9 now, it's a wonder I passed at all. The titular head of science was possibly the worst teacher of my entire school career. Dr Shaw or as he was known Gush was an utter failure as a teacher. What has brought him back mind was the current pandemic. Rather than just laugh at his derisory teaching ability it is the other side of him that troubles more on this sunny spring afternoon. Anyone with an interest in prodding, poking, measuring and weighing naked adolescent boys in the name of "science" would be jailed in today's world. What was known as the "Gush feel up" was the stuff of legend, a practice conveyed on boys not girls. Perhaps he wasn't interested in girls. Or maybe 16 was too old for him. Maybe he was a man of science. But that practice has I hope been consigned to history.

What little I do recall of biology through want of bad teaching and nearly 35 years of my life is that viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics. As the name suggests they only impact on bacteria. And my thought went by extension that antibacterial hand wash will have no impact on viruses. That thought occurred to me this week as the shelves are emptied of such products after the weeks of being told to wash one's hands by the government.

Reading in The Sunday Times today there was an interesting piece by the former government minister and medical doctor Liam Fox about pandemics. The whole thing was fascinating. But above all confirmed my belief that soap is far more useful than an anti bacterial cleaner in the face of this onslaught. My enforced choice to buy four bars of soap in the week may pay dividends then. Given that the bowel is full of bacteria maybe there is now an need to wash hands twice when using the bathroom?

That this will profoundly change our society is now becoming clear. I'm still not convinced of the apocalypse my notes on the improving environment may well be part of recovering when it comes.

In the meantime I intend to do what I can. Just back from my afternoon walk it was good see a few people out. A late night walk when I would normally be going to the pub last night gave me sight of a single solitary soul in the 25 minutes around the block.

I must eat of course and while I have food the adventures of a culinary persuasion go on. Slow roasting in my oven is a half shoulder of lamb studded with garlic and rosemary. With fresh supplies I will make my own mint sauce. I have vegetables and potatoes so all is well.

Apparently I'm required to go to work tomorrow although what I'm walking into remains a mystery. Two colleagues have said I will have some sort of rota explained to me by Geri tomorrow. The mind boggles.

In these chastened times take care. For those who are interested I'm well and symptom free. Let's hope that continues.

I Heard a Voice.