So....

[Gill W]

Has anyone else been inundated with e-mails from loads of banks, telecoms and other service providers,telling us how they intend to offer us lots of services during this time of crisis, to help us safeguard our health, wealth and jobs, presumably while taking a massive slice to add to their profits.
It appears that P&O/Carnival are not the only ones trying to make money out of this pandemic.

.
Yes we have too. Annoyingly from Waitrose after I nearly threw the PC out of the window in frustration with their web site. I hear that M&S are shelf filling their food stores faster than the other, (?)

On Tuesday, after coming out of Sainsburys, we went into M&S in the hope of finding loo rolls (unsucessful) The meat, fruit and veg looked well stocked at that time (about 8.30am)

[Stephen]

Try some of the farm shops.

We were talking to the owner of the property we are currently staying at, and they had just returned from a farm shop they use and had no problem getting everything they wanted.

[Gill W]

Try some of the farm shops.

We were talking to the owner of the property we are currently staying at, and they had just returned from a farm shop they use and had no problem getting everything they wanted.

We walked past our farm shop this morning, never seen so many cars outside. We even had someone in a car asking us directions to it (we stood a suitable distance away from the car!)

[barney]

Mrs B’s ladies fashion shop is in a fabulous market town called Great Torrington.
There are 51 independent shops in the town plus a Co Op and a Spar with a Lidl on the outskirts.

We have two butchers, two bakers and two excellent greengrocers.

Today was a good day takings wise and we noticed many new faces who the town hasn’t seen previously.

A few even confessed that they were there because the Tesco et al didn’t have what they wanted and were amazed at the variety and quality in the independents.

Obviously we’re hoping that when this crisis is over, they will remember and continue to support the small traders.

Besides the cafes and pubs being closed, the place was buzzing with everyone being sensible

[Stephen]

We were in Sidmouth this morning. Visited a small independent store that sells all the usual tourist stuff. Anyway, we had a brief chat with lady owner who said they will probably go out of business because of all this. She was almost in tears as we left. Our hearts went out to her, especially as we only purchased a couple of cards. It seems wherever we went the stores were going to be closing, some temporarily some for good. The only places that were doing a roaring trade were the bakery's.

[barney]

With the help that is available, any viable business should be able to ride this crisis out.
If they was on the brink anyway, then probably no chance.
One lady in Torrington has been nearly going for over a year, so this may well finish her off.
Hardly surprising to us as she closes at the drop of a hat.

[Onelife]

I think many small business owners start off thinking that hard work will pay dividend in the long run ....The reality however is that most businesses scrape through from week to week......l feel their pain because had this happend while l was in business l would have gone under for sure.

[Kenmo1]

I think many small business owners start off thinking that hard work will pay dividend in the long run ....The reality however is that most businesses scrape through from week to week......l feel their pain because had this happend while l was in business l would have gone under for sure.

It has been horrible over the last few days to see grown men crying as they were being interviewed on the news programmes about their business which they think will go under. Such a sad and difficult time for everybody but I just hope the measures being brought in by the Tory government will help ease some of the stress for people.

Stay safe and well everyone.

Maureen xx

[Onelife]

I think many small business owners start off thinking that hard work will pay dividend in the long run ....The reality however is that most businesses scrape through from week to week......l feel their pain because had this happend while l was in business l would have gone under for sure.

It has been horrible over the last few days to see grown men crying as they were being interviewed on the news programmes about their business which they think will go under. Such a sad and difficult time for everybody but I just hope the measures being brought in by the Tory government will help ease some of the stress for people.

Stay safe and well everyone.

Maureen xx

Let's hope so Maureen there's a long way to go before we are out of this mess.........perhaps an appropriate time to say a massive thank you to all the health care workers and those who are keeping our country ticking over......We owe them much.

[Onelife]

Btw Maureen.....please tell your mother the forums best tipster sends his best wishes

[Gill W]

Besides the cafes and pubs being closed, the place was buzzing with everyone being sensible

I’m sorry, being in a town which is buzzing, is not sensible at the moment.

They are asking us to socially distance ourselves, because it will actually save lives.

If people can’t do what they are asked, it will be some mandatory within a few days.

[Gill W]

I think many small business owners start off thinking that hard work will pay dividend in the long run ....The reality however is that most businesses scrape through from week to week......l feel their pain because had this happend while l was in business l would have gone under for sure.

I was due to go out for afternoon tea today, as a couple of friends wanted to treat me for my recent birthday. We postponed, and hope to do it at a later date. The place we were going to is a lovely quirky little cafe, and I hope they survive what is coming. It must be causing a lot of worry.

[Onelife]

Besides the cafes and pubs being closed, the place was buzzing with everyone being sensible

I’m sorry, being in a town which is buzzing, is not sensible at the moment.

They are asking us to socially distance ourselves, because it will actually save lives.

If people can’t do what they are asked, it will be some mandatory within a few days.

I agree Gill.......there's nothing sensible about this virus so the sooner we realise this the safer we all will be. I understand businesses such as the one Barney's wife runs wants to stay viable but the fact remains, customers that touch garments are potentially passing on this virus. Sorry if this offends Mr & Mrs Barney but it's the truth as l see it.

[barney]

Not offended at all mate.
It’s the stockpilers and panic buyers who should be ashamed of themselves

When the instructions come to close , we’ll comply, just as every other business has.
Very few have closed of their own accord.
We’re being told to expect about 80% contamination level so locking yourself up won’t make much difference.
There’s nothing between folk in a supermarket or a fruit and veg shop, is there?
The large dental practice is still open as is the antique shops .
Those under instruction have complied, all others are still working and expecting the announcement any day.

The people on tv telling everyone to self isolate are not isolating themselves. The are travelling to tv studios and mixing with all sorts.
I expect that they got a cab to the studio and then picked up a takeaway on the way home.
Maybe if they practiced what they preached, they might have a bit more credibility.
The government daily update is full of journalists gagging to get on tele by asking a stupid question .
They should be at home, shouldn’t they, they are hardly essential or necessary.

[Gill W]

Please Barney, this is not the time for a rant about reporters

Yes, they say about 80% of us will get C19. But, in order for the health system not to collapse, it’s vital that we all don’t get it at once.

We should only be going out for essential reasons, such as food shopping and work, and non avoidable travel. Today, idiots all over the country have been treating this like some sort of bank holiday.

By distancing ourselves, we can delay getting infected, and importantly, not infect other people. Otherwise the hospitals will be inundated, and won’t be able to cope. If you haven’t already seen it, I suggest you watch Sky News reporting from northern Italy. It is genuinely harrowing. Nearly 800 people died in Italy in the last 24 hours and we are on the same trajectory as Italy. Italy now is basically us in 2 weeks time.

This is the defining world event of our lives and we all need to play our small part in trying to prevent an even greater tragedy than it already is.

Please, everyone, keep yourself safe, which will help to keep other people safe

[Stephen]

I agree with barney about the self isolation. Yes, it's a personal thing but not required unless you have symptoms. Self distancing is probably more important, but if you could all stay at home this coming Friday we will have an easier drive home. Thanks

Quote from the BBC NEWS page.

Who should self-isolate?

Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms - a fever of above 37.8C, a persistent cough or breathing problem - and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms.
■ If you live alone, you must stay at home for seven days from the day symptoms start
■ If you or someone you live with has symptoms, then the entire household needs to isolate for 14 days from the day they start
■ Anyone in the household who starts displaying new symptoms during the 14-day period will need to stay at home for seven more days, regardless of how long they have already been isolated

[Onelife]

Hi Barney,

I'm pleased to hear you're not offended as my post was a general observation of what l believe are the shopping outlets that pose the most risk to people. There are of course numerous other 'no essential outlets' that should have been closed by...in my opinion a government that seems reluctant to take take decisive actions that would help thwat the spread of Covid.....There is no point in closing pubs and such if they are allowing people's hands to contaminate retail shops such as yours.....antique shops included.

I totally agree with you about panic buying which l have to say is something we haven't had to do. My motto, well, my wife's actually is to be prepared, as would have been the case with Brexit had we left with no deal. We added a little bit extra each week to our online shopping order so as to cover this eventuality....If only others had my wife's intuition of the seriousness of Covid most would be better prepared.

The geverment should have in my opinion had a total lock down by now with all none essential outlets having ordered to shut up shop for three weeks that way it would have drastically cut down the 80% infection rate predictions, Yes they should practice what they preach but hey! there was Boris yesterday having his mother's day reunion photo with all his family mingling in the background??? That's setting a fine example to everyone isn't?

If we as a country don't start taking this seriously then Italy will be a lot closer than anyone can imagine.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Please Barney, this is not the time for a rant about reporters

Yes, they say about 80% of us will get C19. But, in order for the health system not to collapse, it’s vital that we all don’t get it at once.

We should only be going out for essential reasons, such as food shopping and work, and non avoidable travel. Today, idiots all over the country have been treating this like some sort of bank holiday.

By distancing ourselves, we can delay getting infected, and importantly, not infect other people. Otherwise the hospitals will be inundated, and won’t be able to cope. If you haven’t already seen it, I suggest you watch Sky News reporting from northern Italy. It is genuinely harrowing. Nearly 800 people died in Italy in the last 24 hours and we are on the same trajectory as Italy. Italy now is basically us in 2 weeks time.

This is the defining world event of our lives and we all need to play our small part in trying to prevent an even greater tragedy than it already is.

Please, everyone, keep yourself safe, which will help to keep other people safe

Agree 100% Gill

[Onelife]

Listening to the Andrew Marr program this morning it was revealed that the government were prepared to go down the heard immunity line of thinking with an anticipated 100, 000 death rate......However when they did a different model the figures came out at 250,000 mitigated deaths with the possibility of this rising to £500,000....at this point the government changed track to self isolation which has imo been a total shambles due to the government's dithering.

[towny44]

Listening to the Andrew Marr program this morning it was revealed that the government were prepared to go down the heard immunity line of thinking with an anticipated 100, 000 death rate......However when they did a different model the figures came out at 250,000 mitigated deaths with the possibility of this rising to £500,000....at this point the government changed track to self isolation which has imo been a total shambles due to the government's dithering.

I totally disagree with you OL, I don't see that our handling of the pandemic has been in any way worse than most others. The Govt seem to have been taking the experts advice from the very beginning and between them they seem to have adjusted their advice to the public as the virus took hold, and Boris has come across very well in the way he has presented the facts at his press conerences.
The only country that is doing far better than us, and eveyone else, is Germany, their death rate from the number of confirmed cases is nothing short of miraculous. Now while miracles always make for good movies, I have never believed they exist in real life.

[Onelife]

Hi John,

Tune into the Andrew Marr program and listen to what a front line London cardiologist is saying about the handling of the situation.


Theresa would have done a better job for sure

[Onelife]

Hi John,

Tune into the Andrew Marr program and listen to what a front line London cardiologist is saying about the handling of the situation.


Theresa would have done a better job for sure

So what are your thoughts now John?

[Manoverboard]

Italy ( and Spain of course ) is surely a tad different than the UK because culturally they all kiss n cuddle each other every minute of the day, even during dinner in our experience. That is deffo not the norm with most Brits bar family meets of course.

[Onelife]

Italy ( and Spain of course ) is surely a tad different than the UK because culturally they all kiss n cuddle each other every minute of the day, even during dinner in our experience. That is deffo not the norm with most Brits bar family meets of course.

Correct Mob........but neither do UK citizens keep two metres away from each other

[towny44]

Hi John,

Tune into the Andrew Marr program and listen to what a front line London cardiologist is saying about the handling of the situation.


Theresa would have done a better job for sure

So what are your thoughts now John?

OL, you can probably find any number of front line medics with left wing leanings who will be happy to rubbish the govts handling of the situation. I prefer to take a balance from a large number of sources before launching out on a tirade against someone, evenif I totally disagree with their politics.
Theresa would have struggled to convince us of the serious nature of the problem, just as she struggled to convince us that she was the best person to handle Brexit.