NI food writer: I’ve had very mild Covi-19 but this is very serious

James McIntosh, from Tandragee who now lives in London, said and his partner Thomas had to self-isolate after a colleague of Thomas, who is a doctor, tested positive for the virus.

He said that Thomas had a fever most nights over the last week but was fine during the day, while James experienced only mild symptoms.

The couple have not been tested but said it is more than likely they had contracted the coronavirus.

“This is day seven of isolation and if I have it then mine is very mild,” he said.

“I have another seven days in quarantine but Thomas can probably go back to work tomorrow. It’s easy to look at the death tolls but the WHO website tells you how many who tested positive have survived. It’s important to look at the good things and not panic.

“There are real worries and fears but although 80% of us could get, ours was very mild. It was annoying but it was liveable. Not everybody is going to be really ill with this.”

Mr McIntosh said that around 40 people on his street had tested positive and a friend in his 30s was in intensive care so he wasn’t doubting the seriousness of the virus.

He said he knitted to keep calm and recommended the hobby to people to keep the mind active and use it as “meditation for fidgeters”.

The writer, who sees firsthand the effect working on the frontline has, said we need to look after NHS staff.

“If you know someone in the NHS make them a casserole and do the kind thing because I see what is coming in from the hospital.

“They are exhausted and they need looked after at the minute. They’re risking their lives right now.”