Chapter 3: The direct impact of COVID-19 in Gateshead

A few years ago, my mam had a major kidney transplant. My dad had to donate a kidney to save my mam's life, which was magnificent. Not just life changing, but lifesaving. 

In September, after my first day at work, I felt a little bit breathless and my muscles were aching, despite having had the vaccine in August. The whole household came down with Covid and it was terrifying!

My mam spent a week in hospital with no visitors and bad breakfasts (running joke), relying on video calls to speak to her each day. We were all worried.

Us left in the house. Me, my dad and brother were waiting for news constantly. How is she? What's happening? The doctors were keeping us posted and after a long week, she was home!

We have recovered since. I'm in the apprenticeship I've always wanted. My dad's working from home and my mam is almost back to work. Normality once more (almost). 
Alfie Gascoigne 

I developed Covid in April 2020. I woke with a sore throat and because of my placement thought it best to get tested which initially came back as negative.

The following day, I began to develop different symptoms, sometimes only lasting a couple of hours at a time, such as nausea, diarrhoea, change in temperature and I also had a persistent headache which weren't the typical symptoms.

I was very tired but, as I lived on my own, I could just lay about and sleep most of the day which was helpful - although on the second and third evening I went to bed and it was a bit concerning as I developed a pain in my upper back and my breathing pattern changed.

I had my phone with me by my pillow in case this became unmanageable and I would need to call for help but thankfully this wasn't needed.

The following week as the symptoms subsided and I could go out again, I walked to post a letter which was about 500 yards from my home and called 111 on my return as I couldn't get my breath and was told this was normal and would gradually ease.

I returned to work after 10 days and just had enough energy to get through a shift and would be exhausted when I returned home, I would become breathless quite easily. The tiredness gradually eased, and I started to exercise again to improve my breathing.

In April 2021, I started having what I now know to be asthma attacks. I have recently had tests which have indicated very strong levels of inflammation in my airways and now taking regular medications to help get this under control with a confirmed asthma diagnosis. 
Dawn Harvey, Gateshead Council 

As someone who organises and officiates at funerals and church services, I have witnessed first-hand some of the isolation and distress caused by the pandemic.

When a loved one dies, we say farewell in a way that best honours the one we have lost and gives most comfort to those who grieve. The pandemic prevented this from happening. Very few were allowed to attend funerals. Social distancing had to be observed so that, quite often, families could not sit together. Face coverings had to be worn. Hymn singing was not allowed. Services had to be kept as brief as possible. All of this added to the distress already being suffered by the bereaved.

Following a funeral, we normally benefit from the companionship of family and friends and the pandemic again impacted hugely on this. The bereaved, particularly those who live alone, were forced into a painful isolation, unable to have visitors or to go out and about themselves. The effect of this cannot be overstated.

Telephone calls and video calls have been immensely important in helping to ease slightly the dreadful loneliness. 
Adele Phillips, Minister/Celebrant