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Coronavirus

Isolating over 70s for 4 months

(298 Posts)
overthehill Sat 14-Mar-20 22:29:12

This apparently could come to pass.

How awful will this be. I hate staying in after a few days let alone 4 months

We will be treated like lepers having groceries delived outside our door.

OK if your unfortunate to become ill stay isolated till better

Really hope this doesn't happen

Callistemon Mon 16-Mar-20 17:41:21

Oopsadaisy your last sentence made me choke (with laughter).

cakes and ale, well, plum sponge and tonic water. Not together though.

Fennel Mon 16-Mar-20 17:41:54

I was thinking today, I need a wash and cut.
I think my hairdresser, just round the corner, could probably do home hairdressing. She has a car, this is what happened when we lived in the country. No big deal.
Any way, the news I read today was that this isolation thing is a last resort, not immediate.

Callistemon Mon 16-Mar-20 17:44:27

Everyone on here seemed to be self-isolating with immediate effect but we have three events whixh were planned for this week (not all pleasant ones, I should add).
I think common sense will have to prevail.

GracesGranMK3 Mon 16-Mar-20 18:19:18

According to the Guardian reports:

Johnson says people over 70 are being asked to avoid unnecessary social contact with other people.

That doesn't sound like complete social isolation to me. I think they will ask for this soon but he doesn't seem to be asking for it today.

Dec46 Mon 16-Mar-20 19:43:57

I feel better after this afternoon's announcement as it now seems everyone,not just over 70s ,are being asked to avoid social contact I think Govt have realised suggesting social isolation for over 70's was a bit OTT and very worrying for us all Doesn't seem as bad when all adults are being asked to take responsibility for their own health as far as it's possible to do so.

M0nica Mon 16-Mar-20 20:41:31

Social isolation is what we have planned for. One early morning trip to Waitrose each week, when the store should be almost empty, suitably protected and DH will walk down to the Coop when it is quiet to get the papers, again suitably clad and paying by contactless card. If there are people other than the till operator inside he will wander around until it is empty. Fortunately the way the tills work, the operator is more than a metre away from the customer.

I notice that some shops are beginning to offer 'over 70' only shopping hours, first thing in the morning. We will certainly make use of them.

M0nica Mon 16-Mar-20 20:47:14

Sorry, I meant 'minimal social contact', not social isolation. I think that is only for those who may have the illness.

I am glad they have seen sense and realised that total social exclusion for all over 70s and those with pre-existing conditions four four months would be impossible for so many reasons.

Alexa Tue 17-Mar-20 17:52:12

There was a door to door salesman at my door today trying to interest me in damp proofing. He kept about six feet away from me although that could have been because he was wary of the dog.

Summerlove Tue 17-Mar-20 20:05:43

I’m curious what people who think ‘asking over 70s to isolate is ageism’ think about supermarkets having seniors only hours? Is that ageism?

Callistemon Tue 17-Mar-20 20:11:10

I need another dog.

suziewoozie Tue 17-Mar-20 20:16:47

I agree Summer it’s not ageism. It’s a pragmatic solution to a problem. My guess is there will be a total lock down anyway before long. There are two people in my street in their 80s who just think they can choose to do what they want with no thought for anyone else.

Summerlove Tue 17-Mar-20 20:50:32

Susie, It’s so interesting. Especially considering how often older people say that young people have no respect for others.

suziewoozie Tue 17-Mar-20 20:59:41

Summer that would be the same young people rushing round my town setting up systems for providing a huge range of help - I’ve already had my first shop delivered via the ‘hub’ in my road. And some of them are facing job loss as well.

eazybee Tue 17-Mar-20 20:59:59

I regard wearing make-up and doing my hair and nails as similar to applying warpaint before a challenging time. I look in the mirror, and pre-makeup, I don't know what effect I have on the enemy, but by God, I frighten me.

Summerlove Tue 17-Mar-20 21:02:43

Suzie, I’m glad your community is taking care of you

merlotgran Tue 17-Mar-20 21:14:55

I need another dog

You can have mine, Calli. DH and I gave her the usual March clip. Loads to shear off after the winter. Then she had a bath and blow dry. Looked very smart.

Half an hour later she snuck out the back door and rolled in something slimy and smelly. angry

I was not amused to have to go through the bathing rigmarole again.

Callistemon Tue 17-Mar-20 22:39:59

She may suit me

I washed my newly shorn hair and it looked not too bad at all, though too short and shorter on one side than the other.
Then I went out in the rain and it is a ball of frizz. Not slimy though!

But I can understand, it's important to smell right.

Shandy57 Tue 17-Mar-20 22:46:02

Our village have a very popular cake and coffee shop that lots of older people use as a meeting point. I popped in tonight and they've been empty since 2 pm sad

I decided to buy my two older friends that are self isolating a voucher and will be popping it through their door tomorrow, a little something to look forward to when this is all over.

I'm also going to buy vouchers from my favourite cake shop for my daughter and I, we go at least once every three weeks and I'd hate for them to shut down.

Lucca Wed 18-Mar-20 10:00:18

A relative of mine just messaged me that she drove Into the village to collect something (at a safe distance) and saw so many old people walking in and out of shops and the library. Di they not watch tv or see the papers ?

M0nica Wed 18-Mar-20 21:49:52

The shutdown doesn't start until Monday. We are using these last few days to stock up on all the things we need for this prolonged detention: garden plants and seeds, DIY materials and curtain fabric. Yes, food as well.

Summerlove Thu 19-Mar-20 13:45:37

Just because it doesn’t start until Monday doesn’t mean It’s any safer now.

Social distancing needs to be observed!

Boz Thu 19-Mar-20 14:06:40

Had DD on the phone listening to me moan about not being able to swim during a lockdown. "So, being fit when you die from a virus will be worth it for you" was her reply. I think I will be told, just for once.
Just ordered Easter Chocolate from Cadbury's Direct to be sent to GC. Good site with lots of choice. Use EGG10 for discount. Also, in time to send Chocolate for Mother's day.