I have a question and wondered what others' comments were regarding this issue... We are all self-isolating as we should be due to COVID-19 and some of us are requesting help and assistance from friends, neighbours and family during this time. Regarding queuring and products from supermarkets, I understand products must be limited to only so many per customer etc. to make sure most people get the items they desperately need. I believe shopping online has been a nightmare with some people only getting delivery slots 3 weeks later; some online delivery slots are also closed. It is a great gesture offering the over 70's, NHS and vulnerable people first entrance into the stores when they open. How does one differentiate/give authority to who is 'vulnerable' especially when some of us have a 'silent' disability or chronic condition which is not necessarily seen from the outside? Just looking for feedback.
COVID-19: 'VULNERABILITY' : I have a... - Positive Wellbein...
Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation
COVID-19: 'VULNERABILITY'
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I suppose if you look over 70 they might let you skip the que and get your provisions quicker.
I'm still a 'spring chicken' and don't look over 70, that's for sure!
Very good, I do my only shopping at 7.45am on a Tuesday, I live two miles from the supermarket which I walk to, no restrictions at that time except the two meters rule, the store is very quiet at that time.
On the way back I get a bus back which is normally busy with school children, however, with the schools off I was the only passenger on that bus last Tuesday, so no overcrowding on that bus.
We live further than 2 miles from Sainsburys and Tesco, who both have queuing and shopping times set for the vulnerable and over 70's only. The bus transport is good if one is close to bus stops but if in self-isolation this makes it difficult also. Thank you for your feedback.
Hi Jerry, Thank you for your prompt response. I have had epilepsy now for over 46 years as well had brain aneurysm surgery last year. I also get the flu jab, and take medication for high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Now we are on 'lockdown' of course its not easy to get to the supermarket regularly but the next time I visit, I will ask their Enquiries desk. One may get the 'okay' from enquiries but once one has stood in a queue for a long time, upon reaching the entrance one can still get refused depending of course, who is on duty?
Bless you what a worry for you.
Have not been shopping yet(am not computer literate so can't do it on line) but will take my letter from NHS stating am vulnerable and see how I get on.Dont have help so will choose time carefully.
Best of luck
Hi please advise how you got the letter from NHS? Thank you for responding.
Hi there lhd333
My letter came through the post from my GP
My surname begins with W so only just arrived.
If you haven't got a letter by Monday please and think you should have had one please ring your local GP surgery and clarify if you should be on the list.
Wishing you well
On line is a nightmare for shopping slots even click & collect.Thats a good idea taking the NHS letter. Sadly for me I can't even go shopping as I cannot walk very well or get up and down my five steps to front door to go out or in. But so far I have a brigade of helpers as does my freind up the road. Good luck with the first coronavirus shop.
So glad you have a lot of helpers... Please take good care of yourself and enjoy the weekend!
In some of the stores near me, they have put plastic dividers to separate the shoppers and also have self checkout. This is to make sure that the workers and shoppers don't get sick from each other. 
Hi, yes that was the plan. I am wanting to know how do they tell whether you are vulnerable or not if you have a chronic condition that is not visible.
Do some of the stores you’re going to have a Pharmacy section for picking up the medication?
No they don't but my pharmacy which is located in the city has advised they are happy to deliver my medication. Grocery shopping was my problem due to queuing and differentiating in the queue who was vulnerable etc. with a silent disability or chronic condition. I am not over 70.
My parents went for vulnerable hour and said there was no checking why for who they were shopping for. All ages in store at same time. It does state for people who are shopping for vulnerable/elderly at same time. My mother has blue badge, doesn't look 70, took it in. No one checked.
I have a blue badge and disabled train pass which also show your age , plus as already suggested your NHS letter or maybe a DWP letter for disability benefits. Not all disabilities are covered by the NHS letter only the more vulnerable ones.
Thank you for feedback. No NHS letter received yet... Perhaps it might still come.
You raise a very good point. Invisible illness and invisible disability and the public's awareness of it is very poor, they have little understanding what it is or what it means unfortunately. If you don't look sick and disabled, you are not sick and disabled but of course we know this simply is not true. Some supermarkets have the Sunflower Lanyard, so staff will recognize you as vulnerable or requiring some help. xx
have you tried ringing the supermarket up and explaining your situation? I know their lines are busy but it may be worth trying. You could arrange a time and see who will be "on duty" so that you don't get refused entry after queuing - you could take a prescription or whatever proof you have of your illness?
Thank you for feedback. I have tried many times now to phone both Sainsburys and Tesco stores near us. One is put on automated response and holds on the line for approximately 30 minutes waiting for an answer. This happened to me frequently and after connecting and waiting, I was cut off from calls. My pharmacy gets my prescriptions direct from my doctor who is also closed to patients at the moment. Keep well.
I figured you'd already tried, but it was just a suggestion.
Do you know anyone else who goes shopping there? Could they ask on your behalf?
Thank you for the suggestion... I am one of the ones that tries to help the over 70's do their shopping. Where we reside, I am one of the youngest members in our block. They range from 70 - 90... Bless them!
Perhaps showing Health card or Medic Alert information might help. Regret I don't drive due to epilepsy.
I find this a really interesting question, this is my situation, age 57, born with glaucoma, lived with CFS for 25yrs, treated successfully for breast cancer in 2013 which has left a legacy of lymphodema and more recently osteoporosis, had successful cataract surgery in 2015 but my eye reacted badly and the complications weren't sorted out meaning that in 2017 I was registered blind. A couple of weeks ago I arrived at a M&S food Hall at about 9.45, tried looking at the notice, the assistant asked if anything applied to me, I said I don't think so but I'm registered blind and I carry a card issued by the City Council which I'm happy to show you, her reply, don't worry just go in. There is a branch of Sainsbury a short bus ride away but I don't want to go because they say keep buses for essential journeys, and they may not let me in. Within walking distance of home I've got a Tesco Express, Co op and a small M&S in a garage, last weekend my sister brought me over 4 bags of food, and if I really can't get anything she'll get it and bring it over in the car. Despite my health issues I've heard nothing so I'm guessing I'm not a vulnerable person.
You are correct according to the NHS letter vulnerability does not cover all disabilities. It says you have been recognised as someone at risk of severe illness if you catch Coronavirus and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Pregnant ladies are included because it could affect the baby in the womb. I come in this vulnerability catagory but my immobility due to two other matters is not taken into account just like you being registered blind. Many shops and delivery services are trying their best to service all less able. Hope this helps you.
Thank you for feedback. Many have so many disabilities which aren't included. The supermarket concerned should use their discretion if one is vulnerable or not, I hope this is the case. Online shopping is a 'no no' at this time. Have a nice weekend!
Very good points you raise my friend , when I did my shop today at Tesco on the way out there was another line for the vulnerable and elderly which was from 9 till 10 but I didn't know before about this , there was no advertising of this as I know of , so is it the luck of the draw when you arrive and hope it's quite when you do your shop .
The NHS has published a list.
Look at digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/... this replaces the previous "Vulnerable Patient" list. Appears to have been published last night.
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Getting shopping. 
Covid-19 statistics from Worldometers info
Vitamin D, Calcifediol and CoViD 19.