Covid 19

[Auzzee]

The initial thought that cruising sailors are somewhat immune from Covid 19 due to the isolation which is a hallmark of the cruising lifestyle gave me some comfort.

As an Aussie in the US, where the response to the virus has been spotty at best, I realise that, in fact, we are faced with concerns which are not easy to overcome. Travelling around the coast has its problems, and while life on the hook may be an exercise in isolation, the reality for most people is time in marinas.

Marinas mean close quarters living where just getting to and from the boat across narrow walkways can compromise social distancing. Then there is the need to share laundry, shower and toilet facilities.

Sailing internationally has even more problems. Cruising boats make passages according to the weather. Determining passages dependent on mostly predictable weather patterns requires that we know which borders are open, and what the conditions in destination countries are, before we get there. And, as we see here in the US, local requirements and regulations can change on a daily basis, dependent upon the numbers of confirmed cases.

Added to this is the need to remain aware of how family and friends are faring and the developing tardiness of suppliers who are being handicapped by staff shortages, extra expenses of maintaining a safe workplace, and shipping delays due to the meteoric rise in online shopping.

I am currently isolated by a lake in East Tennessee, and for that I am thankful. I do wonder however just how my cruising friends are coping with all the restrictions on the gypsy lifestyles which, it seems, are becoming increasingly regulated by the necessities of trying to keep all people safe.

[Alfo]

It has been a hard time to be completely lone. All the bars had been closed around me and being stuck in an island where I don't know anyone and cant meet anyone made it harder.... Overall I am looking forward when all that will come to an end and we can live again without COVID.

[Oldsquizzy]

The beauty of Western Australia Auzzee. Christmas Island, abrolhos Islands and rowly shoals are all classed as being in state. No restrictions on travel other than permit.
Sorta semi retired in May. Finished The job I had and started doing other things.

[Brighton Jack]

Originally Posted by Alfo

It has been a hard time to be completely lone. All the bars had been closed around me and being stuck in an island where I don't know anyone and cant meet anyone made it harder.... Overall I am looking forward when all that will come to an end and we can live again without COVID.

Same here Covid has changed my plans for 2020 and 2021 greatly! Unfortunately I haven't got a clue when all this story is over. I am fed up with lockdowns

[Auzzee]

Fortunately, I can now see some light in the distance. Yesterday, I managed to get my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine. Round two comes on March 6th. I am extremely hopeful that international travel, at least to Australia, will be possible before Christmas. Jack, Squizzy and Alto, I sincerely hope you all manage to stay safe, get vaccinated and rejoin the cruising lifestyle without restriction, in the very near future.

[Oldsquizzy]

Thanks Auzzee. We are a bit lucky here in Western Australia, our premier recognized the importance of what was happening and against all the other states carrying on about it brought in a hard border 14 day quarantine period from the start.
This has led to a relatively isolated paradise amongst a sea of anguish around the world, as a reult we have had one community lock down of 5 days due to a security guard gettin covid. other than that one incident life has been fairly normal with little or no restrictions.

[Auzzee]

It's a national passtime to criticise the government. It's not until you move to another country that you realise just how well Australia is governed. America's response to the virus was a disgrace and, like so many others here, I live in a constant state of mild anxiety as so many people continue to believe the coronavirus is a hoax and refuse to take basic, logical precautions. I know we'll get through it, but with almost half a million lives lost over here (about 1 in every 700 Americans have died from the disease), one cannot drop pone's guard. I'm glad to hear you are well, and hope that circumstance persists.