Well, dear reader, I am now self-isolating.

I work in a college of further education and last week I spent two days in the same room as a student who subsequently tested positive.

So now I am stuck at home until the 20th.

The same goes for all the other students in that class and five of my colleagues who also came into contact with that student.

It has thrown our department into chaos, with half the members of staff now having to work from home.

I knew it was only a matter of time before this was going to happen.

We are not required to wear masks in the classrooms, although it became mandatory last week to wear face coverings in all other communal areas of the college, such as in corridors and the canteen.

Although I am required to self-isolate, my wife and my children are not; they can go out and about as usual.

It feels like I am under house arrest and am already counting down the days to my release date: November 20th.

I’m hoping that in the meantime, of course, I don’t develop any symptoms.