Solitary confinement

I think the message is that it's ok to have a few visitors but keep your distance.
No hugs or kisses and at least 2 metres distance between you and other people.
Two empty baked bean tins and a length of string ought to do it.

Thanks Suzie a very comprehensive list.

Thanks for that BlueSky ??

I was trying to save the baked beans until I was desperate, Gabriella

Will yogurt pots do just as well?
I may need them on Sunday.

Useful summary (DH website)

Trying not to go out much and thought that as we only need repeat prescriptions from the doctor we would not have to make an appointment - we though dr could write out prescriptions and someone could pick them up for us.

Rang surgery but flat "No" we have to go in.

Seems really stupid that we have to both see our doctors, sit in waiting room for Lord knows how long just for a 2 minute appointment.

Then have to wait in chemist, always busy, shoulder to shoulder with lots of other people.

We are trying to do the right thing as are the children - they are doing all child care for our grandchildren to keep us from risk so having to go out to the next town for doctors seems unnecessary.

Good luck to anyone who can teach my mum, age 87 with dementia, to use modern technology to keep in touch! Also woe betide anyone who comes between her and her daily visit to the local shop to buy a load of rubbish!

I think I have made my mind up not to go to my art class tomorrow.....sadly.

Teacher Anne - we have exactly the same problem with my 90 year old mil, who has alzheimers. She buys a huge block of chocolate, sweets and a newspaper she never reads every day come rain or shine. Also my mum, the same age who is mentally fine but physically very frail is not being realistic. She still wants me and my sister to take her here there and everywhere. I'm hoping it will sink in without her becoming too depressed.

Earlier today I read the Imperial College Report that is the main source of information on the outbreak that our government is using. How I wish everyone could be compelled to read the whole 20 pages.

The misinformation being spread by people who do not know what they are talking about is frightening.

Please take it seriously and keep well.

Esspee thanks for sharing that. I've set it aside to read later this morning. In the meantime, I have a birthday cake to make for my youngest granddaughter who is one today. Strange not to be having the whole family gathering as we would normally but lots of family WhatsAppp messages and videos already.

Our first day of real lockdown here in France. People are only allowed out for essential food and pharmacy shopping (nothing else open), health appointments, work and solo exercise. We have to carry a paper saying why we are out. Gendarmes will stop people and fines are in place.
Feels very strange, but the sun is shining and there is masses to do in our large fruit and vegetable garden. We were in the process of trying to sell and downsize, but that is on hold and we are grateful for what we have.

Esspee ??

LullyDully a week ago I cancelled a class that I teach. They were surprised but understanding. Two days later all classes were cancelled. Today the whole country is locked down.
It happens very fast.

Understandable due to the circumstances. I would rather be safe at home for a few months than risk catching the virus. I feel unsure about what to do on Sunday which is Mother's day as my daughter was planning something. Do i tell her to cancel or take a chance and go, it was to be held at her home.

Those social distancing etc. are only putting off their chances of getting this virus. This is the governments plan (if you can call it that), They accept that this virus will effect many people, just trying to spread out when they get it. So, those who are completely putting their lives totally on hold at present, will be the most at risk of getting this virus at the end of that time. We are damned if we do - and damned if we don't.

I think it is actually easier for us now the choice has been taken away from us. Macron and the rest of the government have been very impressive and we have strong local government to back it up. We shall see.

Fran it’s more than that. Whilst we manage to avoid catching it, it allows more time for the development of the vaccine , gaining experience of various possible treatments, the increased availability of tests ( and development of faster testa) and increasing ICU beds and the supply of ventilators.

So, those who are completely putting their lives totally on hold at present, will be the most at risk of getting this virus at the end of that time. We are damned if we do - and damned if we don't
I see your point Franbern but I don’t think that is necessarily the case. It is in the lap of the gods whom the virus strikes, but by reducing needless contact we not only reduce our chances of falling ill now, but of infecting others. We will not be any more or less at risk in two or three months time, unless better weather sees a lessening of the spread as happens with other viruses.
Much of what we are hearing is based on statistics and nature does not always follow the rules. But for now, while our NHS is under so much stress anyway, we can do a little to mitigate the problem.
#hunkeringinthebunker ???

Most of what we are hearing is based on mathematical modelling. This modelling is based on assumptions. The assumptions have now changed so that is why we have moved from mitigation to suppression. It was a misleading mantra, repeating that the government was following the science as this gave a false impression of infallibility. MM is wonderful but should not be oversold. It’s a technique.

Spreading the risk means that hospitals are less likely to be overloaded and if we need to go to hospital and require ventilation, a ventilator will be available.

If you think about it being so long it will feel very hard, if you think about it for the next few days it is not so bad. Just think that you are coping now and see how it goes.

Do we need to think about the greater good? If we get the virus we will be more likely to need help from the NHS.

I read on SM a suggestion that anyone who needs help should hang a ribbon, tea towel or something else from their front door so passers by will know you need help.

We are fortunate to have people to help us so we can stay home.

We have our Internet company coming today so have hand sanitiser ready and will ask them not to touch anything they don't have to. We will also keep our distance.

We have totally changed our approach in the last few days.

Just to mention again indooor walking exercise videos available on YouTube - try Leslie Sansone from 5 mins to over an hour. Also Pahla Bowers walking or running videos, I’m currently doing her month long ‘ weight loss for women over 50’ series which is 20 mins a day mixed moderate activity she’s very chatty but great fun. Suggest you start at day one and work through. Again free on YouTube, just do a search. Other ideas include the Ballet based movement series very basic again fun but good for core and balance by an older mother and adult daughter. There are also seated workouts available. Don’t know if this helps anyone? Good wishes to all.

Hi Meta,
Thanks for reminding me of Leslie Sansone, used to have all the dvds once. Just done a 20 minute walk to get back in the swing of things. Trying to boost my mood as well as getting fitter.

I think we all need to get used to having an exclusion zone bubble around us, and only join queues that are spaced out and no jostling together just to grab that last pack of loo rolls! I have been practicing this and as soon as people realise what you are doing they are happy enough to space themselves too. What does worry me is the current trend to shut down the care homes to visitors. Imagine telling someone that they may not visit their partner of 60 years, who is already facing death, because they might inadvertantly carry the virus in. Can you imagine the pain stress and potential PTSD that people separated from their loved one during the final days or weeks. I myself accept that I probably wont see my mum again before she dies, she doesnt remember me so it would be selfish if I went in and increased the risk, but she does remember my brother and both she and my brother would be desolate if he wasnt allowed to visit. This is happening all across the country now.