I get the emotions are running high as it's a difficult topic that might affect a lot of us and our loved ones in many different ways.
But let's not go off topic here and derail the thread into a discussion that won't take us anywhere right now.
The question is, what is the UK Govt going to do now - we have to wait for a further update and I personally find it disturbing no one between Johnson, Hancock and the chief medical experts/scientists spoke out yesterday. This is not the time to hide away from people.
You look at the threads on here and it's clear without clear guidance, people have very mixed ideas as to how to act now, some of them not very wise and actually going against the very basic guidance we do have.
I think the point is this - the guidance is very basic, we all have to listen to it. On top of that, we can do more and this is what our energy should be focussed on.
What do you do to help more over and above the bare minimum you are required to do, to make sure we're all safe and the NHS can survive?
I'll kickstart - we shop for all elderly people in the family and asked them to ring us if their neighbours need anything. We told them to stay at home as much as possible and we visit every few days by standing outside, approx. 5 metres away and having a chat to make sure they are not completely lonely and upset. We call every other day too. Food is dropped off by the door by us, no direct contact.
We reviewed our cupboards and listed what we could use up without the need to buy anything extra. We then bought some extra tinned veg and frozen meat cause this is all we needed. Point is, start with what you already have, this way there will be more left for others in the shops, to just top up what they have too, not buy out the entire shelf.
It's very difficult to find wipes and sanitisers now. I took some leftover antibac surface spray to work. I still have to be in the office, but I wipe surfaces around me every day as soon as I come in (I have my own office, my team comes in to report though). I'll be watching my team very closely first thing tomorrow and send them home asap if I see or hear anyone being unwell. The company has a limited sick pay policy on full pay in place, this is regardless of the virus.
At home, we wash our hands every time we come back to the house, before and after using the toilet, before and after prepping food and before eating. Bathroom door is left ajar so we avoid touching all but necessary surfaces before we wash our hands.
DH and I have also saved up a financial buffer - not for the coronavirus, but because we thought it's a sensible thing to do - as general rainy day savings and extra savings towards a new car. We understand this might be used up were things get more difficult. But I'd strongly suggest those who might be at risk of no money coming in for a period of time at least try to save up a bit now if they can - every little helps.
I would have thought this is common sense, although some will probably disagree. I also think the Govt should be issuing a far more detailed guidance because many people either can't think too far ahead or are used to doing the bare minimum only - but the Govt doesn't appear to want to do this. What I think is needed is to start thinking of this problem as one for all of us, we are a community and we have responsibilities over and above what BoJo does or doesn't say. That's what we think, at least.