English Raider worries for family back home
CANBERRA captain Josh Hodgson has revealed the angst at having family back home in England during the coronavirus pandemic.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a strict lockdown of the entire country yesterday morning (AEST), telling everybody to remain at home and limiting social gatherings to two people.
Hodgson’s entire family still lives in England but he is stuck in Australia due to his commitments with the Raiders.
He is one of several English players in the nation’s capital who can’t get home to be with family.
“It’s a pretty weird time, as it is for everybody. But, as you say, especially when you’re so far from home,” Hodgson told Fox League Live.
“You’ve got loved ones back home, and England, from reading things, it’s at a bit of a worse stage than we’re at here (in Australia) at the moment.
“It’s a bit worrying. Obviously we’ve all got grandparents and loved ones who are a bit more vulnerable than others.
“My little brother Joe, he’s 25, he just had a little baby yesterday, Tommy, and he was premature. He’s only three pound 11 (1.4kg), so he’s in the intensive care unit at the moment ... that’s a bit worrying too. But he’s doing well, he’s good.
“People probably don’t realise how bad it actually is, and when they’re getting told to stay in and they’re going out anyway, panic buying at the shops... it doesn’t help when you’re trying to contain a virus.”
Hodgson said he would not attempt to leave Australia despite concerns over family.
“If the competition does start up again would I be able to get back in and how long would I have to isolate for?” he said.