Yesterday the UK lockdown began (for those not already self isolating.) It will last at least three weeks. The new rules are that we can leave the house to shop for basic necessities – infrequently as possible. We can go out to take one form of exercise a day – alone or with members of the household. We can also go to work so long as we don’t need to self-isolate (if our job is on the list of allowed work).

It was a lovely sunny day and very quiet for West St Helen Street. This is the view from our upstairs window on the first morning of the lockdown.

South and Vale District Council wanted this message shared:
If you have been shopping for neighbours or family members who are vulnerable, elderly or self-isolating, please continue to do so. 

The government says you are allowed to leave your home to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. Just be careful to follow the usual guidance about washing your hands and keeping a safe distance from others.

 Where possible, it is sensible to leave the shopping on the doorstep for them rather than handing it to them directly.

Here are three pictures from our ‘exercise’ walk in the Abbey Gardens and Meadow.