Looking back on the Pandemic

At an early stage, it was recognised that travelling between cities and nations was hazardous.

Rules regarding quarantine were established and implemented without delay.

Masks and social distancing were recommended as strategies to avoid the infectious disease.

Public meetings were suspended unless they could be held in the open air.

Church services were closed for a period of months.

The disease proved to be lethal to the elderly and those whose general health was poor. 

Those who had a second home in the countryside to which they could decamp did well.

The sick placed a heavy burden on the hospitals. 

Some of the medical and nursing staff worked hard and unselfishly – they won high esteem for themselves. 

Restrictions to travel and work left tradesmen and businesses in a state of poverty. 

                From the records of Aberdeen city at the time of the Great Plague, 1648. 

(Reference: Aberdeen Before 1800. A New History edited by E Patricia Dennison, David Ditchburn and Michael Lynch, Tuckwell Press, East Linton 2001).