To go to bluewater?!

[Rubbleonthedouble1]

I’m extremely vulnerable. Was shielding and so haven’t been anywhere. Just starting to venture out.

Children need new school uniforms/ shoes and I need some clothes to wear for work when I return in two weeks.
Have avoided shops as much as possible but need these things. Also have a couple of hundred pounds in bluewater vouchers which bluewater refused to extend and need to use these for school clothes / shoes and work clothes.

Am I being extraordinarily stupid to go to bluewater? How bad is it? Any distancing happening at all?

Has anyone been recently who could tell me what it’s like?!

It’s fine, they have signs everywhere and the majority of people are keeping their distance and following rules. We visited last week and it was fairly quiet, we didn’t need to queue. As long as you wear your mask and avoid getting close to anyone you shouldn’t have any problems.

If you're returning to work in person then you probably have more to worry about figuratively then a brief trip to Bluewater.

Good luck with your visit. JF

I went a couple of weeks ago and it was no problem at all. I got there early and it was quiet. By the time I left it was busier and there was a big queue for the Apple store. There are lanes, lots of marshalls and it seemed sensible.

That’s what my DH said but I’m worried about extending my risk. It makes me sick to think of losing the £100s pounds vouchers that I’d saved but I know there’s bigger problems in the world!!

I went for dinner at bluewater the other night. Majority of people were wearing masks, following the directions of which way to walk and socially distancing. Go for it.

Is it ok to take DC? Can they try shoes on etc?

I go quite often as it is walking distance from my house.

Today I had 3 people walk head first into my pram because they were walking the wrong way down the one way system and I refused to move out of the way.

Masks are being worn under chins, hanging off an ear and in some cases just being carried like a little accessory.

Go early.

I was told the queue for the Apple store is because they are temperature checking everyone before they are allowed in.

Yo8 can take DC.

If you want to go somewhere like Clark's you will be better off booking in advance.

Can try shoes but must have socks. It will be fine OP, you can’t hibernate for potentially a year

Also should have added... I am about 20 mins from bluewater so not travelling miles for it!

Went there a couple of weeks ago for school shoes-it was pretty quiet and the vast majority of people were complying with directions and distancing

Had to book in at Clarks but went without booking and then just got an appointment on the door for an hour down the line
The only thing is that at that point most of the restaurants weren't open yet-might have changed by now but there was a 2 hour wait for Nandos....McDonalds was open and Five Guys too, but most of the sit in places were closed. Thought I'd mention that as you're coming from a bit further away

Go early!

Definitely go early

I went a fortnight ago and thought it was busy, compared to where I live - 35 mins drive away. Bluewater is very organised though with lots of signs such as keep left, crossing zones and near the escalators they have a one way system like a roundabout.

We wore masks but lots weren't which was surprising as people are nearer to home. To be honest I only went in a handful of shops and got what I needed. I would go during the week, I went at the weekend and it was busy.

Bluewater is a big place and if you go first thing you’ll probably be at leat 10 metres away from anyone else.
I think you’ll be fine.

My friend went a couple of weeks ago with two DDs and she said it was absolutely fine. They have got a good system!