What do you do to stay safe?

Follow the very clear instructions coming from the competent medical authorities.

Not going out to lunch, coffee, a drink, well that will all be enforced soon anyway. Staying away from crowded places, generally limiting contact. We saw my husband's grown up gc at the week-end, usually very effusive, kissing and hugging, so sadly none of that, also the same with our own younger gc. Was having a bit of snivel yesterday about the whole situation when my nearby son called round he ended up throwing his arms round me, probably not good. We are going to miss not seeing our nearest and dearest for a while, all of them, but most of all my youngest son who lives 50 miles away and is scared he will be putting us in mortal danger if he comes to stay.

I heard the virus doesn't like heat so maybe there is something in the drinking of hot drinks.

Thank you CathThe Wise, some useful and sensible advice . It’s always good to stay hydrated anyway, especially to avoid the dreaded UTI’s that are so much more prevalent as we get older .

Excellent reference, thank you CathTheWise. Seems an apt name!

Curvygran, it helps you to stay well hydrated and that was among the government recommendations. Teetime mentioned it, too.
Drinking a lot of water helps even when you have a simple flu, there is a good article about it: healthengine.com.au/info/cold-and-flu-what-to-eat-and-drink-to-get-better-faster

Some of us (I'm 60) are still having to go to work - I'm Warden of a sheltered housing scheme, and also have a job delivering meals to a local school, so apart from not being near anyone who seems ill, and washing my hands a lot, that's it.

CathTheWise, how does drinking lots of hot water help ?

I drink a LOT of hot water and stay at home trying to avoid going out as much as possible. It is actually a good thing: I finally can do things I usually have no time for. I already did a big cleaning around the house and plan to do a video album with the photos from my DGD2 wedding day.

harrigran

I do hope those arranging the funeral help out with the decision.

We were going to one but the 'wake' celebration has been cancelled and is now being now planned for August or as soon as the family feel it is safe to do so. Immediate family are still going to the funeral service.

harrigan, you have a valid excuse to not attend. Let them criticise if they feel the need to. You are keeping yourself, and others, safe - what could be more important?

I haven't seen any family for a few weeks but I will not be hugging and kissing anyone if I do see them.
There is a family funeral this week and I am undecided as to whether to attend, I am expecting people to be critical if I do not go.

Nata, the greatest danger is from your own family. Read the evidence from Wuhan studies about the spread of the virus. It's a great shame that our own 'government' chooses to ignore the WHO recommendations - but we don't have to:

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/15/uk-covid-19-strategy-questions-unanswered-coronavirus-outbreak

Change clothes aas soon as i get home, wash hands singing Happy Birthday and trying to stay calm!!! That is not easy. I have been to the shops this morning at 8.30 after dropping car to have MOT and service, so only required a couple of bits as couldnt carry much. Went into the local supermarket and walked straight out, the queues of people with trollies piled high and the self service area was the same. The only place i could buy a bag of SR flour was poundland, none of the other shops in town had any but i did strike lucky in Wilko and got a pack of 6 loo rolls. Other items on my list i just couldnt get.

No shaking hands, hugging or kissing in social situations. Can be quite awkward if the other person extends their hand/leans towards you expecting a handshake/hug but I think people are getting used to non contact . Don’t elbow bump- someone might have just sneezed/ coughed into their elbow ! I love hugs ( don’t we all?) so it’s sad to do without .

The government advice is to stay well hydrated and not let your throat dry out so plenty of hot drinks.