November 9th, 2020Just sayin’… Donna Kelly

I was pretty sure it was a combination of hay fever and just feeling a bit rundown which can sometimes exacerbate my asthma. So, we went through the usual questions and then the COVID questions. “Are you short of breath?” “Yes, I have asthma.” “Are you tired?” “Yes, it’s been a crazy year.” “OK, I don’t think you have COVID but under the guidelines you should get tested.”
Now, as a journo, I foresee the headlines. And I saw “The Local’s Donna Kelly has proven positive to COVID-19 and has ruined Victoria’s chances of knocking down the ring of steel and reuniting loved ones by Christmas, along with closing down the businesses of many of her friends.” Well, that would be a long headline but still, you get the picture.
But you’ve got to do the right thing so I obediently took down the number for the Daylesford testing station and rang. I felt like I was calling the Batphone. It was sure to be red and with a rotary face. (People under 40, ask an old person what this means.) And they answered. But Monday had been a quiet day and everyone had already packed up. Of course, only in Australia would you have a global pandemic and knock off early because it was a bit quiet. But that didn’t put me off. “OK then, tomorrow it is.” But it was not to be. “Tomorrow is Cup Day.” Of course it is. And you wouldn’t want to test anyone for a global pandemic on Cup Day. Never mind the pandemic that stops the nation. Got to see the gee-gees.
But I am nothing if not insistent. “OK, Wednesday it is.” And with that they took my number and said someone would call on Wednesday. Hmmm, I thought, Kyneton…so I called and they were nup about the cup and I was in for 9.05am.
I was a bit worried about the up-the-nose test but it was fine. And let’s face it, if women can do mammograms and full bladder abdominal ultrasounds, and, not me, but give birth, this is a walk in the park. And I went home and waited.
I told Kyle that if it was negative I would get a text message, positive would be a phone call. He ignores most of what I say but obviously took that in because on Wednesday I got a call from the Daylesford mob wanting to book me in. I said thanks but all done and hung up. “Who was that?” Kyle asked. “Oh, just the COVID people,” I replied. “Oh, shit, you’re positive…” He finally calmed down with the explanation. And last Wednesday I checked my phone and the text was there. Negative. I know we are meant to try and be upbeat for our mental health, but sometimes being told you are negative is the best feeling in the world. Just sayin’…
Ed’s note: We really appreciate all frontline workers!