Those at risk getting access to Supermarkets before general population

[Myrddin]

Several supermarkets have announced that those last risk can have access to the stores in the first hour of trading. Great idea but certainly did not work today.

Large Car park full well before opening time. Cars queueing about half a mile back onto the main road causing chaos. Shoppers queuing to get into the shop in the rain long after opening time.

Perhaps they will have found something to buy but certainly the shop would be no easier than at other times. Maybe this will improve over time

[Myrddin]

As expected far safer to shop later in the day but nothing to buy - no delivery slots available in the next 3 weeks - no click and collect available in the next three weeks. We are not in serious lockdown yet. Hopefully a method for the vunerable to shop safely with food available will become available before too long.

[HopeME in reply to Myrddin]

Where do you live? I think it is quite different depending upon where you reside but things are definitely changing and not for the better.

[Myrddin in reply to HopeME]

UK - 24 hr shops have reduced their hours to cope with stocking shelves and staffing issues because of the virus

[HopeME in reply to Myrddin]

Thanks. I'm outside of Boston. Not terrible but certain items are non-existent. Better days ahead!

[patagozon]

I usually do my shopping at 3:30 AM. Very few people at that time of day other than those restocking the shelves.

[Newdawn Administrator]

Unfortunately the determined shoppers are out first thing to grab provisions in short supply. The shops are unable to regulate vulnerable shoppers because carers are within this group and those without visible conditions (like us). As a result I’ve been hearing that these early sessions are more congested and risky! There’s some shocking scenes on YouTube where shoppers converged on supermarkets and basically stampeded with no regard for others. Stupid and inconsiderate people!

Newdawn

[Myrddin in reply to Newdawn]

Just kept driving as it was not worth the risk - managed to get a few items from the list of required items later in the day but will have to make another trip soon. Many of the empty shelves were basic items flour eggs fruit veg meat fish tinned food pasta ... Italy has it much worse but are not panic buying

[annmcgowan]

Hi my hubby has been out today. The car parks were full but we got all we needed. Those inside were social distancing which is good,this wasn’t the case a few days ago. Looks like the message is beginning to hit home now. Stay safe all.

Ann

[Myrddin in reply to annmcgowan]

Good to know things are improving as will have to make another trip very soon because the last outing got very few basics - more time slots available for those at risk next week - hopefully those not at risk will respect these early slots.

[Newdawn Administrator]

I think one of the issues is we all actually need more food and provisions when isolated at home especially as the cafes and restaurants have now closed. My food bill has certainly risen and I don’t want to resort to fast food take aways!

I’m looking at creating freezable meals from basics next week like being in War time mode! 😉

Newdawn

[mrsjsmith in reply to Newdawn]

Some good news from where I live ! I hear one of the local coffee shops and upmarket restaurant will be selling food from Monday. Makes sense as they have premises, staff and supply chain for fresh produce, so keep a lookout where you live.

Colette x

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to mrsjsmith]

Yes that’s a great idea Colette 👍

I feel for our local taxi drivers too at the moment whose livelihoods are dependent on people going out at night and suddenly everything stops. A taxi driver friend is relying on people wanting him to deliver take away food at the moment!

Newdawn

[mrsjsmith in reply to Newdawn]

There are just so many people that we forget how badly they will be affected !

Colette x

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to mrsjsmith]

Absolutely Colette, especially the self employed who are not presently covered by Govt financial support in the same way.

Newdawn

[Emerfly]

It took about a week here for everyone including businesses to adjust . Some restaurants and cafes reformatting their businesses delivering to the vulnerable , elderly and those who have to self isolate . Grocery stores taking on extra staff who have lost work elsewhere to take online orders and deliver groceries . Lots of new charitable endeavours too . Neighbourhood leaflets giving tel numbers of neighbours willing to do shopping and collect prescriptions . It’s been uplifting and I’ve no doubt the same will happen somewhere near you guys v soon . Keep an eye online . One of my son in laws is a taxi driver and has had to stop driving . He is helping out the vulnerable where they live . We will all be poorer in monetary terms but perhaps richer in other ways . Emer