The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Irving's life, influencing travel, health concerns, and financial stability. Entries reflect both personal anxieties and observations of broader societal changes related to the pandemic.
The pandemic was a recurring theme in Irving's diaries, particularly in 2021 and 2022. It affected his travel plans, vaccine considerations, and general outlook on the world, alongside impacting the broader economic and political landscape. The pandemic's effects were felt both in the UK and the USA, where Irving spent time.
* 2021: London was "in the throes of the pandemic" with approximately 50% of people wearing face masks (diary_2021). New government restrictions were frequently announced, impacting travel plans. * 2021: Travel restrictions were complex, requiring multiple COVID tests (4 total) and a 10-day quarantine to enter the USA (diary_2021). * 2021: Concerns about the pandemic were linked to financial stability and job security, with mention of a "Working for Victoria" program created in response to pandemic-related job losses (diary_2021). * 2022: Irving expressed a desire for the pandemic to be over, noting that "not many in England or USA will be missing it" (diary_2022_jan_staugustine). * 2022: Sales appeared to be up, suggesting a potential economic recovery from the pandemic's impact (diary_2022_jan_staugustine). * 2021: Irving expressed sadness regarding the passing of Rosa, noting the "horrid circumstances of Covid restrictions" (diary_2021).
The tone shifted from 2021, where the pandemic was an immediate and pressing concern, to 2022, where there was a sense of relief that the "old pandemic year has gone" (diary_2022_jan_staugustine). However, the pandemic's long-term effects, such as concerns about Tony's health, persisted (diary_2022_jan_staugustine).
* Travel restrictions * Health concerns * Economic impact * Boris Johnson