Whoah, this last lock-down (we’ve only had two) was a slog. It was only two weeks long and only affected Auckland but felt, and continues to feel (even though it’s over) like much longer. Or slower. Or.. lonelier.

The 1 pm stand-up/media briefing continues to alert us to new cases of Covid-19 in both managed isolation and, more worryingly, in the community. Our numbers are low compared to other countries, mostly in the low teens, but still - we want this pestilence GONE from our shores. We aim to irradicate, not manage, Covid-19.

While Auckland is in a newly coined Alert Level 2.5 which means we need to wear masks when we’re out-and-about, I’ve still not left my dwelling. It sounds strange to hear work colleagues talking about going out for dinner or brunch or the beach. Like they’re breaching some kind of curfew or something; which they’re not.

I’m still working from home and will continue to do so until Semester Two starts later in September. Many other companies and workplaces have gone back to their offices and warehouses etc. I heard some parents have kept their children from school a while longer, but my grandchildren have gone back to school as their parents go back to work.

But our university is keeping everyone off-campus until September 21st so we’re all delaying our return to campus-life.

• Coronavirus: 14 new cases (Stuff.co.nz)

• A huge Covid-19 Natural Experiment (Wired)

• Coronavirus live news (The Guardian)