Retired Northampton couple share what life is like in coronavirus quarantine in Arizona

A retired couple from Northampton have shared how they are coping during the coronavirus pandemic while stuck in the United States.

Gary and Janet Austin are self-isolating in Yuma, Arizona - a city on the Mexican border - after their flight back to London was cancelled with no alternative offered.

The pair, of St Georges Place, think they might be stranded in US for the rest of the year and are worried about their six-month visas expiring.

"We really have no idea how long we will be here," Gary said.

"I have informed the US Homeland Security that it is my opinion that we will exceed our six month visa allowance.

"Verbally they are fine however we await some form of confirmation document.

"We have planned to be here the rest of 2020, it is not expected that there will be any flights from Arizona to London during the rest of this year.

"We feel it is better for us to be here with so few people around the chances of not being infected are in our favour."

The couple, who are both 71, often spend the British winters in 'sunny Yuma' after Gary retired as managing director of Northampton Communications Ltd 10 years ago.

Since the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the US, they went into a voluntary quarantine, along with a stay at home order, as they are at greater risk of getting seriously ill.

They wear masks and gloves every time they leave home, with one of them visiting the main supermarket, Walmart, every third day.

Gary said: "It is amazing you can buy most things at Walmart, there has been a shortage of toilet rolls and kitchen towels, most other items are available.

"The local food is excellent. All restaurants are closed however takeaway food is allowed.

"Yuma is known to be the US centre of vegetables and citrus fruit, most takeaway food is chicken based or beef of a Mexican flavour.

"Our TV has over 300 channels, we have internet with Skype so that we can communicate with our families in the county.

"I am a radio ham so I can talk to all the locals over a 5.000sq mile radius and I have started growing tomatoes as well as peppers inside two large old tyres full of compost."