Locked down could happen Pubs closing No football, £/$1.16 £/€ 1.08, food station running out of supply quicker than they can re stock
Fuel station open still, but no where to go

https://www.prima.co.uk/diet-and-health/a31701586/coronavirus-supermarkets-home-delivery/

https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home?

This resource might come in handy.

Onto the next chapter... keep posting your thoughts as the situation changes daily.

So for my friends in the UK that are hearing about what is happening over here in Spain. This is the reality...

Yes we are in total quarantine... What does that mean?

*Well everything is closed apart from pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations.

*All bars and restaurants and shops are closed.

*We are not allowed to leave the house unless it's to buy food or an emergency.

*We are not allowed more than 1 person in a car.

*We are only allowed to walk our pets within 50 metres of our house and a quick walk on your own.

*We are not allowed to just take a walk or a bike ride to get fresh air

*All childrens outdoor parks are closed. Beaches are closed.

*In supermarkets you cannot enter unless you are wearing gloves. They are provided at the door

*The majority of us have suddenly found ourselves with no work

*In supermarkets and queues we have to stay in single file with a 2 meter distance between each person.

*Many hospital appointments have been cancelled

*There are hefty fines if you do not abide by the rules.

This is saving lives! (They say)

I wrote to you last week to tell you about some of the steps we are taking to support increased demand for food and other essential items.

After I wrote to you last week, many of you replied. You wrote to share your concerns about our elderly and vulnerable customers and to ask if we can do more to restrict the number of items each person can buy. I have listened to feedback from you and from Sainsbury's colleagues across the country and wanted to share some of the extra steps we are taking to make sure everyone has access to the items that they need:

A number of you suggested that we reserve an hour in stores for elderly and vulnerable customers. In response to this request, we will set aside the first hour in every supermarket this Thursday 19th March, for elderly and vulnerable customers. I hope that you can respect this decision and will work with us as we try our best to help those that need it the most. If you or an elderly family member, friend or neighbour would like to shop during this hour, please check online for your local supermarket opening hours.

We will also help elderly and vulnerable customers access food online. From Monday 23rd March, our online customers who are over 70 years of age or have a disability will have priority access to online delivery slots. We will contact these customers in the coming days with more details.

For any online customer who can travel to our stores, from Monday 23rd March, we will operate an expanded 'click and collect' service. We are significantly increasing the number of collection sites across the country over the coming days in preparation for this. Customers can place their order online as usual and pick it up from a collection point in the store car park. We believe this will also work for people who are self-isolating.

As we work to feed the nation, we are also focusing all of our efforts on getting as much food and other essential items from our suppliers, into our warehouses
continued ............

We know this is a really difficult time for everyone across the UK right now. As a health care provider, your health and safety is always at the heart of what we do, so we wanted to let you know what we are doing to protect our customers and teams at Boots Opticians.

What are we doing?

Working closely with the NHS and our industry professional bodies to ensure we are following the latest best practice and guidance with regards to cleaning and keeping customers and colleagues as safe as possible - which we're assessing on a daily basis
Ensuring our stores are clean and hygienic through enhanced daily cleaning across all surfaces
Our customers and teams have access to hand washing facilities, plenty of sanitiser and cleaning wipes to ensure that our hands and equipment are cleaned for every customer

For as long as we can, we will remain open to look after your eye care needs but understand some of you may have questions which we want to support you with:

I am worried about coming out to the shops, can I rearrange or cancel my appointment?

Of course. You can reschedule or cancel your appointment free of charge. If you would like to re-book an appointment, we have made future appointments available at boots.com/eyetest.

I am not feeling well, should I attend my appointment?

If you or your family have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19) you should not attend your appointment. Please check the Gov.uk website for the latest COVID-19 advice.

If you are experiencing eye symptoms that suggest that you need to be seen urgently e.g. flashing lights, floating spots in your vision, pain, loss of vision, and you have COVID-19 symptoms, please contact NHS 111. Alternatively, you can call our stores for advice.

I have already booked an eye test appointment - do I need to do anything?

No, please attend your appointment as normal unless you have symptoms of COVID-19 (in Wales, this also includes ‘at risk groups’ – your local store team will be in touch prior to your appointment). We are continuing to welcome customers and look forward to seeing you.

I am not due an eye test appointment yet but would like to book for the future, is that possible?

Yes you can book appointments for future dates at boots.com/eyetest. We'd love to see you when you are ready.

I use contact lenses, should I still be wearing them?

Yes absolutely, but remember to wash your hands before putting them in and removing them and also regularly throughout the day to reduce the spread of infection.

Thank you for being a Boots Opticians customer, your continued loyalty means a lot to us.
James Arrow
Managing Director, Boots Opticians

My son received this......….

It is fair to say that we find ourselves in uncharted waters. COVID-19 is bringing a change to the UK and it’s clear that lots of things are going to have to shift around in order to help us cope.

At Tesco, we have been doing everything we can to keep business as usual, but we now have to accept it is not business as usual. In the last two weeks, we have seen significant and prolonged increases in demand across all of our stores and this is leading to shortages in some products for some customers.

Reacting to the latest government announcements, we have to plan on this situation being the new normal and we will do all that we can to make the food you want available, but we need your help.

In order to protect the core shopping essentials, we are going to implement some changes in our stores. The changes are designed to simplify what we do so that we can provide more of what people need in a clean and safe environment. We ask for your understanding and your support.

From Thursday 19 March we will start to implement the following changes:


To ensure more people have access to everyday essentials, we are introducing a storewide restriction of only 3 items per customer on every product line, and removing multi-buy promotions.
In order to allow Tesco colleagues to focus on stocking shelves, helping to provide the essential groceries you are looking for and to avoid waste, we will close all meat, fish, deli counters and salad bars.
To be able to ensure our stores are clean, that we can replenish stock, and allow our colleagues to rest, we will change our trading hours with all stores closing at 10pm.
To ensure we are doing everything possible to reduce the risk of infection for both our customers and colleagues, we will be introducing some distancing measures at the checkout and, to make it swifter, invite customers who can, to pay by card.
To help free up slots for the more vulnerable, such as our elderly customers and those who are self-isolating, we are encouraging customers who shop online or choose Click+Collect for their grocery home shopping, to prioritise shopping in-store where possible.
To ensure our more vulnerable and elderly customers can shop in-store, we will prioritise one hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 9-10am (except in our Express stores) and ask that you respect this.

Tesco store colleagues can't work from home and a good number of them will need to respond to personal or family challenges connected with dealing with COVID-19. So we would please ask that you understand the challenging environment in which we are all working. If you do go in-store and want to say thank you, then I'm sure they'd appreciate it.

So, if you could help us by limiting demand of essential items and allowing us to focus on the core needs of our customers – we are confident that we can continue to feed the nation. We are delivering food daily to our stores, but this is a very challenging time and we will only get through this if we work together.


Thank you for your support.

Dave Lewis

Tesco CEO

Tomorrow pensioners get to do their shopping for the first hour of opening......7AM!!!! Best I don't bother going to bed! What about those with no transport?

For the first time visiting hospital I put my pullover sleeve over my hand touching buttons. (people did give me a queer look)
Today I had a food delivery which was unloaded in the garage. However when it came to signing I asked if I could use another object. He said only the pencil or my hand.
What can I use or buy to sign which only belongs to me?

Please keep this threat to "advise or helpful hints" so we can refer to it if needed.

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/petition-test-nhs-frontine-staff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo7HB-slsm4

Anyone know what is being said about dental surgeries? I've just looked at the website for mine and there's nothing about what they are doing or what patients should do if they need urgent treatment.

Link for up to date info:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Panic buying/stock piling/ isolation

I know this is being criticised [and rightly so] but ...
if you can't get the things you want in the shops and have to go out daily to search for things and when you find them they are rationed how can you self isolate/stay indoors for several weeks without the things you need.

'strict confinement measures in China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, and in Italy, Europe’s most affected nation, have led to falls in air pollution as fewer vehicles are driven and industrial emissions fall. A preliminary calculation by a US expert suggests that tens of thousands of premature deaths from air pollution may have been avoided by the cleaner air in China, far higher than the 3,208 coronavirus deaths.'

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/17/air-pollution-likely-to-increase-coronavirus-death-rate-warn-experts

Somewhere there's a website which is uploading posters for you to download and print free of charge. They will design one free if you tell them what you need. Unfortunately, I can't get the link to work...I suspect it's overloaded. If I get a working link I will post it.

I would think quite a lot of us are capable of making our own.

I've heard about a scam - can't find anything on line yet - people are knocking at doors and saying they are from the local health authority and they are visiting to carry out mandatory corona virus testing.

Coronavirus --- new trials

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/17/coronavirus-live-news-updates-uk-us-australia-europe-france-italy-who-self-isolation-travel-bans-borders-latest-update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLC9jSoUsfU

keep adding your concerns and feelings to the progressing situation.
I have Just received a leaflet through my door which some of my neighbours have made up giving their name and telephone numbers and offering help if one is self isolating.

😂

Keep your thoughts and concerns coming and also any light humour to help get us through this unsettling time.

Because of Corona Virus the following are postponed
.London Marathon
Local and London Mayor Elections
All football in the UK and Europe
First three F1 grand prix's
England v Sri Lanka cricket series
Scotland v Wales 6 nations rugby
Masters Golf
St Patricks day parade

Hi,

I wish to dispose off my king size mattress.

Can anyone please pass on the details of whosoever help with this.

Thanks

Click to enlarge

Tablet use difference

Why do some photos not show on my tablet but do on the laptop

Noticed too that some new threads do not have the 3 little dots at the top on the tablet but do on the laptop

https://www.iflscience.com/environment/this-bench-absorbs-more-air-pollution-than-a-small-forest/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/10/tiny-forest-size-tennis-court-planted-uk-first-bid-cut-air-pollution/

Due to a spate of thefts from vehicles you are advised to have a prominent notice
"NO TOILET ROLLS STORED IN THIS VAN / CAR OVERNIGHT"

Did anyone watch this program?
Answer to our shortage of houses. Chinese firm 3D prints 10 full-size houses in a day.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-27156775

Has anyone been to this?
I went last night and loved every minute of it. It’s been the same ceremony for over 700 years, every single night without fail.
Tickets are free but there’s a long wait. We waited over a year for our date as we wanted a Wednesday.

Keeping watch on this virus as the days progress & keeping in contact with others to share thought concerns etc

On Sunday May 3rd this year I'll be taking part in the Marsden March, a 15 mile sponsored walk to raise money for the Marsden cancer charity.

Several of my friends on Scooploop donated to my Marsden March 2018 and 2019 fundraising and I hope that many of you will consider donating to my 2020 fundraising.

The March starts near the near the Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and ends at the Marsden Hospital in Sutton, passing along Fulham Road, down Putney High Street, over Wimbledon Common, on to Raynes Park and through King George's Playing Fields. Then through Nonsuch Park and Belmont, to the hospital in Sutton.

Since 2011 the march has raised over 13 million pounds with every penny going towards funding state-of-the-art equipment, ground-breaking research, and creating the very best patient care.

This incredible amount has helped The Royal Marsden to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and improve the lives of people affected by cancer, across the UK and around the world.

This year the target is to raise £2 million for a very special cause - to help build the Oak Cancer Centre.

This brand-new centre in Sutton will help the Marsden to speed up the development of life-saving treatments and ensure they can be there for everyone who needs them.

The website of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity gives a lot of detail about the march at

https://www.royalmarsden.org/support-us/marsden-march

This will be the third time I've taken part in the Marsden March. Last year I completed the walk in just over four hours and raised over £300 for the Marsden. This year I'd like to beat 4 hours and raise more money than last year.

I've set up a just giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thebanhammarsdenmarch2020-tonylang

Over the years I've lost a lot of friends and relatives to assorted types of cancer, so I'd like to raise as much money as I can for the charity. So please dig deep and donate as much as you can to this fantastic cause.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Continuing from Shirley’s ‘should we be wary’ post. Keeping watch now on the daily weekly updates and our thoughts on everything that’s happening.. and any help we can give each other.. places to get short supply items etc.

Just thought this 'little fellow' will bring a smile to your face!
I was browsing in a charity shop last week when I spotted him peering up at me from a box of toys and at 99p a bargain!
Edward is enjoying his new home and his little face makes me smile in my kitchen. There is nothing better than a teddy, however old you are, lol Click on him to enlarge.

Is anyone else in a position where they are caring for an elderly relative with dementia like I am? how are we supposed to deal with it if that person gets Coronavirus or suspected to have it as they can’t care for themselves so can’t self isolate. And if they can’t look after themselves they still need daily care to go into them.. but obviously then anyone be it a paid Carer or relative going in will then be at risk of getting the virus and then spreading around.. I’m so confused & feeling stressed to how to deal with this situation if it arises?

International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) is an annual event aimed to unite women brewmasters around the world and to raise awareness of women working in the brewing profession. The event is held on March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.

IWCBD was conceived by Sophie de Ronde in 2013 as a way to fight against sexism and gender bias in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She contacted the Pink Boots Society (PBS), a non-profit organization which supports women working in the brewing industry, and found support there.

The inaugural IWCBD event was held on March 8, 2014. Over 60 women brewmasters in five different countries participated by simultaneously brewing the same recipe of craft beer, Unite pale ale. The next year, there were 80 participants from 11 countries who brewed Unite red ale.

IWCBD is more than just another awareness day. It is also a chance for women brewmakers from different countries to network with one another, as well as a charity event that helps raise money for the Pink Boots Society and local charities. Since its inception, it has made a great contribution to normalizing the idea that women can successfully work in the brewing industry.

A star of Coronation Street has Corona Virus and has gone into 14 day isolation. The script has had to be re-written.

What an honour - I think not.

I just pulled the string out on a wall mounted bathroom heater. Can there be repaired?I Googled but only found instructions for light.I wondered if they are sealed and I have to buy a new one. Have an electrician coming next week so could asked him to repair? or replace.Thank you.

Ongoing analysis and investigation by our safety team has identified a very small number of additional models which are affected by this fire safety risk. The model numbers are:

WMFG 741 G UK
WMAQG 741 P UK
WMAQC 641 P UK

We also request that all owners of these three additional models check if their appliance is affected, even if they have previously done so.

We want to send our sincere apologies to our customers for the additional concern caused, and to thank them for taking this important safety precaution.
https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk/

Product details: iconBIT Mekotron 6 Hoverboard

For full details, including affected model numbers and manufacturer’s advice, click here.

Reason for recall:

Risk of fire
What should you do next?

Electrical Safety First recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it immediately
Check the product recall notification for details of what to do next
If no details are shown, you should contact either the seller or Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or visit them at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
More information on returning recalled products can be found here.

Checking your other electrical products

Our product checker contains the details of electrical products that have been recalled since 2007. If you have searched for a product that you own and it is not listed, this means that it has not been recalled and should be safe to use. However, if you do have concerns about its safety, contact the retailer or manufacturer to alert them to a potential problem.

This email was sent by Electrical Safety First
www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

A consumer program found that car insurance is now "Data driven"Asking for quotes for people living in identical houses, (same street) cars found that if
you are single---- married with children---- have unsuitable email addresses, foreign names, area you live in you are paying more for you insurance.

There are lots of helpful shortcuts using computers but usually mentioned in other subjects and get lost. Please share all your knowledge.
How to do emojis. ------window on keyboard plus fullstop.

Free ATMs disappear and banks made £104 million last year to withdraw your own money according to a Which report.
Why do people not use "cash back" as the facility is widely available and free.

People die doing a foolish stunt to post online

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11072744/devastated-daughter-istagram-dry-ice-stunt/amp/

Click to enlarge

One can make outgoing calls but your phone want ring on incoming calls.

------- your handset telephone can't be heard ringing, is that there is actually an issue with the ISP side of the network. ... it won't sustain enough voltage to trigger your handset to make the ringing noise. ------Check if you have not turned to mute by mistake then phone your provider.

Just happened to us for the first time and we spend some time looking through instructions what could have gone wrong.

I like Marmite and like peanut butter. Bought a jar of Marmite peanut butter. It is not nice, and looks like sick.

Spying on the scammers.... for a change!

Tracking down call centres in India and one of the men behind such scams, also hearing from British victims.