Today’s reflections come from Karlheinz and Ilse who live in a small village just outside the town of Bad Neustadt in Bavaria. They have similar restrictions to us.
Today we had a walk in the sun in the fields behind the trees of our hill named `Köhler`(charcoalmaker). There were only a few people about and only a few cars on the road. There is silence in the countryside and even in the air (no flights from Frankfurt). Everything is so unreal.
We had a chat with the neighbours for a few minutes and at distance of 5 metres but we even watch out where the wind comes from. All the family can only be contacted with telephone, skyping, and writing mails even letters.
We are grateful that all of us, as far as we know, including Granny (aged 100) are still well and the relatives and friends, too. All the other sorrows we have had have been set back and we plan our life structure as well as we can from one day to the next. We wish you all good health in the true sense of the word.
We should not take notice of all the criticism about DIY production of masks. A few minutes ago we saw a German TV programme of an initiative in Essen, one of the biggest cities in the West. Anyone with a skill of sewing and machines at home can hand in their home-made masks at a fire-brigade`s centre and they distribute them where they are needed.
Since the industrial production of masks has not been enough it may be a way to do something positive. A few days ago Ilse and I had the idea to make masks and we sent some to our family. Of course, we know, it looks ridiculously simple. You have to use 100% cotton cloth and a few Inches of rubber bands.
Ilse makes a little pocket in the mask for a hanky, and possibly a piece of flexible wire for the nose to sit on. Hot ironing disinfects the whole thing and it can be stored in a vacuum pack. Ilse did today`s shopping wearing one of our masks. People were looking but kept a distance with respect, hopefully as a hint for doing the same in the near future.
Just an idea: Can you suggest to your readers of Marlborough News to start a sewing action for masks in everyday situations, not for emergency rooms in hospitals and old age homes? The NHS will say thank you.
Ilse has started her daily routine production of 10 masks, model ILSA! Photos can be supplied if anyone would like to create their own.
Wiltshire Police and The Coronavirus outbreak – an open letter from the Chief Constable and Commissioner
