The official UK Government response can be found here. You can check here on the NHS website if you have Covid-19 symptoms.
To stop the spread of the virus you should:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get back home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
The NHS choices website states you should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons:
- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
- any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home
Shopping for food
Community response has been amazing. If you’re able to access Facebook, many local groups have been set up where people are offering help with collecting shopping or delivering meals they have prepared themselves (see here for info).
Iceland is keeping the first two hours of trading for its elderly and vulnerable customers only.
Sainsbury’s has announced 9am – 10am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday will be for older or vulnerable people. Customers over 70 and those with a disability will also have priority access to online delivery slots.
ASDA has also said before 9am stores will only be open for older customers and those who are supporting them.
Tesco are keeping 9am – 10am on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays as priority hours for their older customers (except in Express stores).
Another great option is independent suppliers – check out this newly created website which details how to get deliveries straight from Bristol’s farmers, independent retailers and local restaurants which are now offering takeaways: https://supportbristolfood.co.uk/
Cooking with limited supplies
Get creative with cheap meals – many of which can be made from store cupboard ingredients – from the original budget cooking foodie, Jack Monroe: https://cookingonabootstrap.com/
‘Keep Cooking and Carry On’ starts Monday 23 March on Channel 4 at 5:30pm & 8:30pm every week night, with Jamie Oliver, who will be cooking easy meals with store cupboard ingredients.
Jack Monroe will also be on Twitter every day at 5pm answering your questions about what to make with your random bits and bobs in the cupboard. Use the hashtag #JackMonroesLockdownLarder