Editor's note

For most of us in the UK who are able to work from home, it’s the end of our first week under lockdown. It’s a stressful time for everyone. I don’t mind admitting that I’m pretty scared. I won’t bore you with the details but I’m one of the “especially vulnerable” cohort of people with an underlying health condition who received a notification from the NHS telling us to remain under stringent self-isolation for the next 12 weeks and it has shaken me up considerably.

But anyone monitoring the regular media or social media sites, is also likely to be feeling the stress of the constant drip feed of alarming reports – it’s hard to escape, yet it’s equally vital we find ways of focusing on more positive things.

We can help. Alongside our comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the coronavirus emergency, you’ll find stories from the world of arts, culture, science and society to remind you there’s an exciting and ever-changing world beyond the confines of our homes. Most of us have got more time on our hands, so why not let our experts in the world of books, music, film, TV and drama recommend some of their favourite things?

Meanwhile we’ll continue to provide context and perspective, such as this account by a scholar of medieval history of the “anchorites”, women who locked themselves away to get closer to god, or the Swedish approach to countering the virus and why it is more relaxed.

From our global network, read about revered American author Henry David Thoreau who famously shut himself away in the woods in Massachusetts, tips to improve your virtual catch-ups and book groups and, from Africa, a touching tribute to the legendary “Afropolitan” musician, Manu Dibango who passed away this week.

Jonathan Este

Associate Editor, Arts + Culture Editor

Enclosing of an anchoress (14th century). Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 079: Pontifical

Coronavirus: advice from the Middle Ages for how to cope with self-isolation

Godelinde Gertrude Perk, University of Oxford

Some medieval Christian women locked themselves away in the name of their faith. Here are their insights into self-isolation.
Johnson has tested positive, along with several other key figures. EPA

Boris Johnson’s coronavirus diagnosis: what history teaches us about prime ministers and illness

Martin Farr, Newcastle University

The particulars of the British political system come into play at times like these.
Outdoor restaurant at a square in central Stockholm, Sweden, 26 March 2020. EPA-EFE/Janerik Henriksson

Sweden under fire for ‘relaxed’ coronavirus approach – here’s the science behind it

Paul Franks, Lund University; Peter M Nilsson, Lund University

Swedish authorities estimate that there are more people with COVID-19 who don't show symptoms than those in other countries.
Alex Dummer/Unsplash

Say what? How to improve virtual catch-ups, book groups and wine nights

Tauel Harper, University of Western Australia

Virtual meetings, from work chats to reading groups, have become commonplace during the coronavirus pandemic. But if you’re finding communication feels different in this setting, you’re not alone
Never get’s old: dad’s Army. BBC Pictures

Five TV sitcoms to help get you through lockdown

Alec Charles, University of Winchester

In times like these, sometimes having a good laugh is the only thing to do.

 

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