If you're showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, have family members who have it, or are in an at risk group the guidance is to self-isolate and stay at home. But what about food shopping or other essential errands?
We'd like to reassure you that you're not alone.
Being isolated from family, friends and the rest of the community can be a lonely and sometimes frightening experience.
And if you've been told to stay at home because you either suspect you have the virus or fall in to an at risk group you might be worried about getting life's basic chores done. Things like food shopping or putting your bins out seemed so simple just weeks ago are now potential problems if you're unable to leave the house.
Firstly; if you're struggling please don't be afraid to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. We all need assistance from time-to-time. So if you have family or friends you can call to help you out then please do so.
What if your friends have also been identified as being at risk? What do you do then?
For food shopping you can use an online delivery service. Most supermarkets offer delivery. These services are seeing an increase in the number of people using them, so you might have to wait a little longer to get food in than you would do normally. However, they will bring your order to your door. You pay for food delivery services online and not to the driver that's bringing it. Also, most services are now leaving shopping at your front door so you won't come in contact with the driver.
Due to the increase in demand you might want to take a look at an alternative to the supermarket.
You can get a limited amount of food from Amazon. Its generally bulk orders (so a tray of 24 cans instead of just buying one or two at a time) and they'll probably not be brands you recognise. But if you're in a pinch and not too fussy about what you can get this might be a good idea.
Your local fruit and veg wholesaler might offer delivery of veg boxes. It's worth doing to quick online search to see if you have access to this type of thing.
Contact Fr. Toby Tunstall or Fr. John Bird at the Chancellor's Office. If you live in an area where there are Knights and Dames that aren't classified as being at risk they may be able to help. The Chancellor's Office will know who, if anyone, is in your area and will be able to make initial contact for you.
Charities like Age UK have set up helplines. For practical advice from Age UK you can call them on 0800 169 65 65. And if you're feeling lonely and just fancy a chat you can call Silver Line, day or night, on 0800 470 80 90.
We'll also be continuing to update the Beauceant Extra with further tips and advice over the coming days and weeks. If you haven't seen it yet, do check out our article on getting the most out of your internet.
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