Ghost train

Before today, I hadn't travelled into Leeds city centre for more than four months.  The purpose of this morning's journey was a trip to the dentist after a crown became loose a few weeks ago.  I was surprised when  she agreed to see me. 

I donned a mask for the first time and boarded a train with barely anyone on it.   That was eerie, as was Leeds station itself was which also deserted.  With the odd exception of several members of train staff, everyone else had their faces covered as I trudged through.

When I reached the dentist's door, I had to wait outside for a few minutes until a lady with face shield, apron and gloves greeted me cheerily and asked me to cleanse my hands with sanitiser before coming inside.  

Next, she asked if she could take my temperature.

I said yes and opened my mouth nice and wide.

She laughed and pointed a gun at my head and pulled the trigger.

Five seconds later: "You're fine."

I wasn't, I felt like a right idiot.  I'd not had my temperature taken that way before.  I reckon I would have blushed less if she'd shoved a thermometer up my bum.  

And then I was invited to go upstairs to be welcomed by my dentist and her nurse, both in full PPE.

They did a great job, despite not being able to use a drill or that squirty water thingy.  My dentist explained that they can use those tools in afternoon appointments when they have to wear even more protective gear.   A bit like those scientists in ET.  Possibly. Those appointments are scheduled for an hour to allow time for a deep clean afterwards.  Mine was in the diary for 30 minutes, despite only being in the chair for five of those. 

My dentist added that my six-month check-up, which was due this month, will now take place at some point next year - in theory. 

And then I left, walked back through the quiet streets of Leeds, into the station, mask on and back onto another empty train to Guiseley.

I am actually due back in the city centre in a couple of weeks for a meeting, possibly followed by some socialising.  I'm not really sure how I feel about that. 

It's not a fear of contracting coronavirus that puts me off, it's the "new normal" factor; even more irritating than the X Factor and set to last a heck of a lot longer than a run of Simon Cowell and co.