Here is the view out of our window in day 2 of the lockdown. The rest of our household stayed in today, working from home, but I was at work doing support work, I got involved doing shopping on behalf of two houses for people who need to stay at home. Both Sainsburys in Didcot and Tesco in Abingdon were fairly well stocked, and not busy so it was not a problem to keep a social distance.
While out and about I was surprised how many other people were out cycling, or walking, as their daily exercise in the sun. It did not feel like a lockdown.
Back home there was a postcard from Emma and a phone number offering to help if we were self isolating. An Abingdon group have tried to cover all of Abingdon with this offer of this important help.
On the news it was said that 405,000 people have signed up in 24 hours to volunteer with the NHS after a recruitment drive to help the vulnerable amid the coronavirus crisis,
I think ‘Emma’ is actually ‘Ella”. Whoever she is, thanks to her and others who are looking after those who are particularly vulnerable.
Let’s see if the surge of people on a Saturday at 07.30 outside Waitrose declines. There used to be about 15-20 of us regulars; for the past two weeks there have been 50-60 – many of them clearly not elderly. They may all be shoppng for neigbhbours, of course.
I went to tescos yesterday to do the weekly shop for ourselves and my inlaws. I went mid morning so a bit later than you Paul. It was extremely well organised, no long queuing, good stock levels (with a bit of sensible rationing) and pretty good distancing measures.
…I haven’t needed to go shopping this week yet; but this is good information Iain…just to hear that it is all “calm and collected”
Not that I mind – just so I can be prepared, is there a moderate queue then, to get in…the whole “one out, one in” thing…? Just so I know to take an umbrella if it rains etc!?
Also…I am not at all interested in panic buying or even stocking up…but curious, how does it work (if at all) if I am buying for myself (family) but also extra things for the elderly (I have two on my list I’m shopping for)?
Or just “suck it and see”?
Any advice welcome!
Not sure Daniel, I didn’t happen to need anything that went over the limit between the two shops. I put the two through the cashier separately so presumably fairly obvious to cashier that its for two households.
Went to Tesco this afternoon about 3pm. Pretty empty and no queuing to get in. Most shelves well stocked apart from the usual eggs, pasta sauce etc. Probably a better time to go than the ‘elderly slots’
If people are not going to work surely they can shop any time of the day if not a key worker? No need to go Saturday morning. Saw someone riding a mower around the Kingston Bagpuize cricket ground today. That’s not exercise, they should be ashamed
Why?
Because by law they are forbidden to leave the house other than to get food or expertise once. They clearly think those rules only apply to other people
They are allowed to do their job as long as they can maintain social distancing Rudi. I’d imagine mowing a cricket pitch is relatively isolated. Similarly there were various people out today maintaining the Abbey Meadows (I was having my daily exercise) and I’ve seen contractors mowing the lawns in Albert Park.
I dont see an issue here given the current government guidance
Haha! Rudi there is no law stopping people going to work! Get a grip! (Or don’t in this virus-ridden situation)
It is guidance, it is not written into law.
Rudi, those of us who work from home have to work. I’m not a key worker. However, the phone has be answered during working hours, work has to be allocated to staff and staff have to be supported; e.g. making sure they have everything they need to do their jobs properly.
Shopping during my working day would be irresponsible.
I’d have to agree with ainia. I am fortunate (I can not count my blessings enough), that I am working from home. I am also homeschooling two children – which in reality is not so much schooling but providing love, reassurance and calm. Should I need to, I shop when I can; not when I choose.
Having said that; I’m not teaching my children to mourn the freedoms and choices they had, but to perhaps reflect and appreciate the ones they still have.