It has been a working day, one of the more difficult ones, where it was hard to concentrate and finish anything. One of the things on my mind was the question of whether to go to Pakistan. It has been nearly a year and a half since I was there, and the last time I left such a gap, I went home and my mother’s descent to death began. This time, I can either go immediately – before the lockdowns begin and the Indian wave hits Pakistan, as is so feared – or wait till after Eid when it may not be possible to go. And, in the interim, someone might fall ill and if travel restrictions come in, I might be unable to go.
So I had a call with some people in Pakistan, including those who know, and it does look like the pandemic is on a knife’s edge there. Either I go now now now and expect to quite possibly be stuck there, or be stuck here till after Eid.
Then, lockdown was announced in Turkey, starting on Thursday. I had decided not to go immediately, but this confirmed it as it would also mean leaving the GF completely alone for at least weeks and possibly longer.
So, lockdown. I hope it works. But I am very worried about the pandemic in Pakistan.