Friday, October 30, 2009

Ukraine Fall 2009 Report #12


Friday October 30. Report #12.


The weather is rather unsettled, sunny and then light rain but not too uncomfortable.


We planned to do some necessary shopping for prescription drugs for 4 people who attend the meetings.


Things are very subdued in this area owing to the announcement this morning that several people who died within the last few days had H1N1 virus. There is a quiet panic of people cleaning out the pharmacies of cold remedies and face masks. We were in a large department store yesterday and all the staff had medical masks on. We were in the market today and many of the shoppers and store keepers were wearing masks.


So far about 20 deaths have been attributed to the virus. The Prime Minister broadcast today that all schools and daycares will be closed for 3 weeks. There are to be no public meetings, even the pre-election rallies have been cancelled.


So what does this mean to us? Namely two things, the one is that we cannot visit any schools or orphanages, at least to speak to children and secondly, we hope that Poland does not close the border, as it has said it might do, when we head home on Nov 11. We are also wondering about the wisdom to hold any more meetings.


Please pray for wisdom and good health and that things will settle down and the panic will subside.


All for now.


Malcolm

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