Solitary confinement

As regards Iceland shopping.
I was in one of their shops this morning just after 9am, scouting for toilet rolls.
The queues were very long and lots of people had trolleys piled up with food.
I’m sure very few of them were elderly, so I don’t know where this theory comes about opening for older people for two hours in the mornings.
Needless to say, I didn’t queue up.

I understood that social isolation was only for the infected. Older people and those with underlying conditions should aim at minimal social interaction, and the rest just limit social contacts and work from home if possible.

I intend to visit my local supermarket when it opens at 7.30 on a Monday with an itemised list and whizz round as fast as possible, wearing trousers, and clothes with long sleeves, mask and latex gloves to minimise risk. That's it. I did a big shop today so we are well stocked so for te first few weeks at least, the shopping list will be short.

Just heard that Van Morrison has cancelled his concert at the Palladium. We had already decided not to go but at least we will have something to look forward to once life gets back to normal when it’s rescheduled. C’est la vie!

Our community is already coming together to help each other and I fully intend volunteering in the community shop as long as I'm well. I will take suitable precautions. Tomorrow morning I'll put flyers through the doors of our hamlet telling people that the shop will deliver and prescriptions can be collected for people if they are self isolating with the illness. Otherwise, minimal social contact it is!

I work in community pharmacy, full time. I'm tired, emotional and scared.

I have an eighty year old dad, living nearby. We lost my beautiful mum in September to cancer and dementia.

I'm in continuous, daily contact with poorly people. We have been told that we should fully expect to contract or carry coronavirus.

We have my dad over for dinner or we go to him at least two or three times a week, with visits and popping in at other times.

I have siblings an hour or two away, who have barely visited dad since mum died.

I feel overwhelmed and don't know if I should stay away from dad, to protect him. My husband has said he will ship for him. The thought that I might have hugged him for the last time is making me so sad. You never know when it's the last time.

I don't expect any answers, I'm just sharing.

Stay safe, everyone. X

Daffydilly

Just heard on the News that the Queen is self isolating in Windsor Castle! Is it just me or does anyone else find this hilarious?

Granny23

We left 3 messages with social services to find out if anything could be done to provide some help for my in-laws who are both in their 90s. We have had no response.

This is as a result of the day centres closing and their home helps leaving because they themselves are in the vulnerable category.

Call me a sceptic but I don't trust these council officials.

All the council services have ceased or are stopping soon. Why are our bins no longer being emptied?
I would have thought that was a priority.
Coronavirus is being used as a convenient screen.

Speaking of the Q, I wonder when she’ll address her loyal subjects and wish them well and thank all the amazing people who are working their socks off to prepare for the troubles ahead and all the communities who are rallying round to help.? She and the rest are being very quiet. Perhaps they’re too busy sourcing toilet rolls and hand sanitiser.

That’s really bad Grammaretto ! We have regular bin services here, whereabouts ( which County) are you in?
You should complain.

I received a call from NHS (i think our surgery)to say that I am in the high risk group, and should therefore isolate myself from public contact. I should if at all possible not go to shops, libraries or the homes of others unless they are also isolating.

I'm encouraged to go for walks out in the open. It then went on to suggesting ways that I could access shopping and provided details of our local green grocers who is delivering veg or fruit boxes with free delivery, then the local butchers, fish mongers, chemists. Told me that the library could deliver books, audio cassettes, DVD's.
Then went on to tell me to contact GP surgery if I had any concerns.
Five minutes later my husband had the same call, as did my friend down the road.

We have spent the last 2 days running around trying to find food and loo roll (groan), sorting out blood tests, and meds. From our perspective we know, and indeed completely understand that there are limitations on what the NHS can do. As things are there are neither the beds or the ventilators to provide for everyone, and if given the choice, doctors have to offer the intensive care to younger, fitter people more likely to survive than older people or those with lo g term conditions.

Everyone has a role to play in this crisis, those of us over 70 & or with long term conditions have a responsibility to stay well, and if that means some form of home arrest, so be it. That's what's needed for now.

Sally what a heartening post - sounds like an amazing phone call. And I agree absolutely with your sentiments about our responsibilities.

exactly sally.
some people seem to have a resentful attitude as if they are being punished by being advised to keep away from other people etc.
this is the most pragmatic approach, to try to stay alive and well enough to enjoy being alive.
i dont understand some people's attiitudes.
no one is punishing or making unreasonable demands on you.
not only is your own life at risk but everyone else's.
we must take all measure possible to limit the damage.

daffy, if i were you, i would either give up the job or give up any contact with parent. dont think you can do both.
or at least i couldnt take the risk. money does not compare.

Thanks MegrannyW1
I have just 2 x 9 packs of loo roll and 3 packs of 4 tablets of Palmolive soap. No hand sanitizer as I wear medi gloves from Boots when out. 2 packs of Dettol surface wipes and that's it, hygiene-wise.
PHE say that plenty of sleep can boost your immune system and I do sleep well.
Probably 10-11 hours now, 8 at night and a couple in the afternoon if not doing anything much.
I'll still go out for my daily run at 6am and to shop but only twice a week.
My AC and GC are still working in their workplaces.
2 of them cannot do their jobs at home anyway.
We'll all manage if we're sensible and not selfish.

Being alone is a real challenge. Being cooped up with loved ones is another. The alternative, however, is much, much worse. Do you really want to take the risk?

People talk a lot about the community. Others talk about the war time spirit. Anyone who really cares about other people will do everything they can to self-isolate. The only way for us to keep the death rate down, and to prevent people suffering terribly because the hospitals are overwhelmed, is for us all to change our way of life.

We have to consider ourselves and everyone else as potentially infectious. People can be free of symptoms but still shedding the virus. It is in water droplets when they cough. It may be airborne in the breath. It lives on surfaces for ages - think days rather than hours - so that is everything they touch. And it is not just them. It could be you who is spreading it.

I know it all sounds grim but half the world wouldn't be in turmoil if it wasn't so bad. We have to isolate, not only for our own sakes but to give the NHS a chance. Even if it means we can't be with our friends or family for a while, we really do have to stay at home.

Just noticed the post about the Queen self isolating at the Castle. So funny.

Susiewoosie and Gabriella, thank you both for adding calmness and clarity to a somewhat challenging, confusing time for us all. We can all only take each new day as it comes and remember there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.?

@Anno so sorry for your toothache! Hope you get a dental app soon!

@daffydilly so sorry. Youre doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances. If your Dad is happy to, Id say hug your Dad because at 80 he could go at any time for any reason. My FIL died suddenly and none of us got the chance to spend time with him.

I havent had time to get bored yet, but heres something for anyone who is : people.com/travel/stuck-at-home-these-12-famous-museums-offer-virtual-tours-you-can-take-on-your-couch/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-article&utm_content=20200313&utm_term=7728056&fbclid=IwAR00Pm25v8_sQAUg4A4UaQzxpAlXaU4W0gdbC5rAkhmlmVgnY70PQgFz4pI

A bit like US prisons where, if you want a shower, you hang a towel through the bars of your cell. ??

Good to read all the posts and the sensible advise.

Humour is a lifter as well. I’m sure as I posted on another thread we will get used to this new normal, as I think we are in for the long haul.

I am more or less in the same boat as you gabriella with regard to wipes, soap etc.

We are away at the moment and self isolating on holiday? in a cottage. The only chink in our armour will be filling up with petrol where I can wear disposable gloves except the bloody pad that won’t believe anything except a finger. Did think about getting those gloves that work but pointless really as they will be smothered in the virus.

It's no good if supermarkets announce priority for elderly and vulnerable shoppers for say, a 2 hour period after opening, if they, the shoppers cannot use their bus passes until 09.30 which is when the scramble with mums, begins after they drop off their children at school.
I have rung Surrey County Council about this, this morning and although their website shows it to be 'open' right now and open since 08.30, a recorded message says 9am with no explanation.
My own BC is open at usual time.
I suggest that bus pass holders can start to use them at 07.30 so we can shop and get home before the rest of the population.

gabriella good thinking

Good to read this thread , it has some good uplifting views. We're in total lock down where we live in Spain. It's really severe. We cant leave the apartment at all unless going to a food shop or pharmacy. Only one person can go. No walks, even running up stairs in apartment blocks, is banned. If you have a dog you can go out very close to your home . Again only one person. There are police and army about and you will be stopped and asked where you are going. It's quite frightening and I really hope it doesn't go on too long. The good side is , as pensioners our income is secured and we're used to spending 24/7 together. I'm knitting, papercrafting and watching a lot of box sets. It's the coffee out and social interaction I miss.

There seems a dichotomy between not going out and arranging for over 70s to go to the supermarket. I appreciate this is now and things may change. Surely we will have to have deliveries?

A group in our small town, a baker, greengrocer, etc. have arranged to take joint orders and deliver. I would have thought that is the only way to remain socially isolated. Or aren't you bothered at the moment?

Idea Copied from Facebook to save arguments

For couples suddenly isolated together get an imaginary co worker to blame everything on .

In our house “Cheryl” keeps leaving dirty cups everywhere and doesn’t wash them up and we really don’t know what to do about her.