The thing about the culture here is they love to dissect every issue that arises – Gilet Jaunes, train strikes, the pension reform and now of course Covid 19.

This means that every channel will have a panel show analysing every detail for hours, or grilling/replaying government messages, or in-the-moment-ground-zero documentaries, usually in the hospitals. And it is awful.

If there’s anyone who thinks NZ locked down too quickly and too severely, maybe this’ll help explain why you are all going insane at home.

I told you about the masks yesterday. Well it gets worse. They don’t have enough hospital protective gowns either so they’re ordering cycling protective gear because apparently that’s just as good. I am trying not to worry that the hospitals in my area are at saturation point. I can’t imagine the psychological effects on the doctors who have to decide day in day out who gets the last ventilator and who doesn’t. There aren’t enough ventilators.

I’m trying not to think about the fact that I go out every day using public transport to get to work. That I’m in a neighbourhood where people are getting tired of the rules and are starting not to follow them. I’m trying not to think of the people I know with Covid or suspected Covid. I’m trying to stay calm and not give in to fear.

Most importantly I’m trying not to think about the fact that 15 minutes from where I live an empty warehouse has been converted into a morgue. Or that the hospitals are so full they have made the TGVs (high speed trains) into medical trains and are using them to transport patients to hospitals in other less affected regions. Everyone in hospital is alone, loved ones are not allowed to visit.

I am wanting to stay positive, remain calm and say that we’ll all get through this. A box of masks arrived today. It was a moment of great joy. Funny memes still circulate, particularly about masks given the massive shortage. They still make me laugh. I’m in touch with family and friends in NZ every day. There is a work email group dedicated to laughter to lighten us up during the weekend. It works.

A big shout-out to all the healthcare workers. From what I have seen on tv (and yes they’re only showing the worst because it makes for good tv – don’t watch it) they are amazing. They’re getting sick too. Some are dying. Others are recovering and getting back on the job. Brilliant people. I am glad you locked down early NZ. You don’t want this.

Today an order of long-awaited much-needed masks for France was TAKEN OFF THE PLANE ON THE RUNWAY in China because someone (hint he’s orange with a bad haircut) paid three times the price so they would be sent to the US. No masks for us.

The masks that we do have are in trucks waiting to be delivered and are being guarded by french armed police to avoid being stolen. I kid you not.

Then, I discover that pharmacies etc ordering masks are getting scammed. Yes, that’s right – there are people MAKING UP that they have masks for sale when they don’t, and just taking the money. Who are these people? WTAF?! Slimepoghosebeests.

PS The cat has settled down. I took her for a walk so all is well.

At first I thought having a cat as a bubble-buddy would be fun. After all, normally she loves attention and follows me around. She purrs a lot. Sleeps on my lap, watches Netflix, that sort of thing. I thought she would enjoy having me home when I was sick, especially as I am usually out working long hours.

As time passes, however, I am noticing some disconcerting behaviour. She meows loudly, at random periods of the day, most notably (and I add, for a considerable length of time) at 3am. I am subject to random attacks on my ankles as I walk around. Today I came in to a strategically placed projectile vomit (beautifully sun-crusted in front of the window).

It is with a growing sense of unease that I am forced to conclude my feelings toward my choice of bubble-buddy are, in fact, not reciprocated. I should perhaps be a dog person. She is currently curled up on my bed but in the far corner. She is following me with her gaze as I climb into bed. I may sleep with one eye open tonight. Let’s hope I still have them both in the morning.