Costa in Bury Street appeared to have removed its tables so that people can now only get take away drinks. Willows Shakeshop have closed ‘due to the coronavirus restrictions’ and ask customers to follow them on Facebook for updates.

There was a queue outside Boots, for the pharmacy, to get prescription, and pharmacy only drugs, or advice. Only a few people were being allowed inside at any one time. General shoppers appeared to be let in without such controls.

I was told that people can now only go into the doctors if they get a call to come in, and they are tested for symptoms before entry.

Avicenna Pharmacy was only allowing one person in at a time, and Jhoots Pharmacy only allowed three. So they both had queues outside.

Abingdon County Hall Museum has closed ‘due to the Coronavirus situation’.

Both Oxfam and the British Heart Foundation have closed all of their shops including the Abingdon ones.

The TSB in Abingdon has closed temporarily, but as it is due to close anyway that could be permanent.

Mostly Books are open, and are offering to deliver books free within a 5 mile radius.

Schools close from tomorrow for most pupils. The only pupils allowed to school will be the children of key workers, and pupils with Education and Health Care Plans.

Empty shelves have appeared in usually well stocked supermarkets in Abingdon. This supermarket in the town centre has sold out of toilet paper and kitchen rolls …

as well as paracetamols and other pain killers.

Some people could be stockpiling long-life food and cold remedies in preparation should they have to spend two weeks at home in self-isolation with Coronavirus. Others may just be stocking up as the shelves are emptying quickly and they don’t want to be caught short.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed at the Royal British Legion club in Spring Lane, Abingdon. It is the latest to be funded and provided by the Abingdon Lions Club.

Members of the Lions and the Royal British Legion were there for the official handover. Mr Stuart Jackson, of the legion, gave a short speech of thanks.

A member of the Lions then gave a demonstration of how to routinely check the device.

The AED can give an electric shock when somebody’s heart has stopped after a cardiac arrest. In case of emergency members of the public should dial 999 or 122 and get the code to access the AED. The AED will give further spoken and visual instructions.

The St John’s Ambulance have the youtube video above in case you ever need to use an AED.

The programme of events was being displayed on the library community information board. Events are co-ordinated by Dementia Friendly Abingdon – a group, linked to Healthy Abingdon, which aims to make the town more supportive of people with dementia and their carers.

Monday 20 May
Information Day in the Roysse Room, Guildhall 10.00am – 4.00pm
A one stop shop for advice, support and information on activities available to those living in and around Abingdon with dementia and mild cognitive impairment and their carers. Those represented will include the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Oxfordshire, Kennington Memory Club, Young Dementia UK, Fiddle Fingers Quilts, Carers Oxfordshire and care homes.

Tuesday 21 May
Dementia Friends Information Sessions, 35 Ock Street (by Baptist Church), 10.30am and 12noon. A fun, interactive one-hour session to learn a little bit about what it’s like to live with dementia – and then turn that understanding into action; from telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia. Register to attend at www.dementiafriends.org.uk – find our Abingdon sessions and sign up. Or email dementiafriendlyabingdon@gmail.com

Wednesday 22 May
Dementia Friendly Film Showing, Abbey Cinema, doors open 10.00am for 11.00am showing of The Wizard of Oz. For details see www.theabbey.ac. This will be first of many dementia-friendly screenings which the cinema hope to arrange monthly. The Abbey Cinema follows the Alzheimer Society’s guidelines for dementia-friendly screenings, which encourages the thoughtful choice of film, staff training, clear signage, careful attention to lighting and sound levels and most importantly, listening to people with dementia.

Thursday 23 May
10.30am Dementia friendly walk around Abbey Park. Meet in the Market Square

2.00pm Abingdon Library
Human Story Theatre perform Connie’s Colander. Running time 50min, followed by a 20 min post show Q&A with a dementia specialist.

Friday 24 May
Awareness Day in the Market Place, 10.30am – 2.00pm
Information stands, Music, Singing for the Brain at 11.30am and again at 12.30pm. If it’s wet they will be in St Nicolas Church!