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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Social distancing - Aibu to ask people to remain 2m away?

10 replies

horsesfourcourses · 27/03/2020 19:41

Yesterday I went shopping in Sainsbury's and had to queue outside (2m apart from other shoppers), and were let in on a 5 in, 5 out basis. However when I got into the shop I was alarmed that on 2 occasions, different members of the public got too close. Both times I challenged them. The first person just looked at me blankly, the second person was 'just reaching something.' My suggestion to them was that they could wait a few seconds until I was finished, or ask me to move.

Today in my local Co-Op (couldn't get everything I needed in Sainsbury's) I faced a similar issue but with the staff... The self serve tills were all switched on so there was no way of safely self distancing so I opted to go to the staffed checkout. The assistant thought it a very strange request that they stepped back to allow me to put my items down at a safe distance , telling me 'it is ok.' Having just about completed the transaction, a second member of staff actually brushed past me to go back behind the counter. I explained that I work in the NHS with patients and while I'm completely asymptomatic - I could well be carrying the virus!

Just wondering has anyone else been having similar experiences and how other people have been handling it? As much as I don't want to be rude... I'd rather appear that way than end up on a ventilator.

OP posts:
Gizmo79 · 27/03/2020 19:42

Not unfair at all.

doofusmoof · 27/03/2020 19:46

just bend over & start coughing. They will run away from you!

cardibach · 27/03/2020 19:49

It was tricky in Tesco today keeping the correct distance apart. Controlled numbers of people but no lane discipline in the aisles.

ZooeyS · 27/03/2020 19:50

Any elderly man today told me I was being ridiculous when I asked him not to come any closer. Mate, I’m 35 and had just finished a 10 mile run - I’m doing it to protect you, not me Confused

niffynoonoo · 27/03/2020 19:51

I have actually coughed on purpose once in saisburys when a man was within my space so to speak! I won`t be afraid to do it again either!!

Di11y · 27/03/2020 19:55

i find it's the staff who are waltzing around and they're the riskiest as they're around everyone all day. I asked several staff member and customers to step back yesterday and today.

Pipandmum · 27/03/2020 19:56

I see your point but it is actually impossible to go down most aisles without passing within 2m of someone, and when is an aisle going to be completely empty? I agree one can wait before reaching for something but I think most people are trying their best.

winniesanderson · 27/03/2020 19:56

I did it today walking down what is normally a pretty deserted back lane behind my house. A dog walker in front and two women walking a dog together behind me. The dog in front kept stopping so I slowed down to keep a good distance and the two women behind kept laughing and saying things like "are we not even allowed to go near each other now?" Erm no not really.

IndecentFeminist · 27/03/2020 19:56

Bear in mind that a fleeting passing of someone or whatever is unlikely to pass in the virus. Close contact is defined as 15 mins or similar. You're not being unreasonable of course.

cologne4711 · 27/03/2020 19:58

What happens if someone is dithering about what to buy? People stand in front of the aisles deciding what to buy for ages. Usually I'd just say excuse me, or if they're being a real pain, I just reach across them. But you can't really do that at the moment so what are people doing when someone is in the way and won't get a shift on? I have gone round the shop and come back, but sometimes they're still there!

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