Are you doing anything for the locals who can't get out?

[incognitomum]

Our small town is organising a way to get essentials for elderly and vulnerable who have no one.

It's taking some organising as some aren't on social media.

Anyone else doing this and have any tips?

I'd also think about those that had pets who will also be affected as well as their owners.

We're organising a WhatsApp group for our road (15 houses) only. We figured that a smaller group would be easier to manage, we know each other by sight already and those without SM or mobile phone can keep in contact via landline.

We've offered shopping, prescription collecting, jigsaw swaps, etc.
We can link with other groups later on if we find ourselves all suddenly struck down with CV at the same time.

A lot of my neighbours are on the next door app, Ive also signed my Dad up for the one in his area. It will be a good way of communicating if everything goes pear shaped.

Same in our road. WhatsApp group, email addresses and phone numbers swapped. If every road does similar, imagine the good that will come out of this.

Lots of people doing it on next door - one lady is coordinating for our area but I don’t quite know how it will work.

Any suggestions from others?

Personally I think it works better in small groups as you are more invested to look after each other. In larger groups there's the risk of the 'bystander effect' - that someone else will help.

I'm trying to get registered for Cinnamon Trust but also may knock on doors.

The street groups might not work so well here. Too many dodgy characters.

I run a dog-walking business.

I'm still offering walks to people in isolation so long as I can collect their dog from a secure location such as a garden or porch area. I'll then use my own collars and leads to reduce the risk of transmission.

I'm also offering to deliver things like pet food and essentials like bread and milk when I go to collect their dogs. I'm also offering to take dogs to the vets etc. if it's needed and owners cannot go out.

I live on a small road and the majority of my neighbours are elderly. This morning I posted a note through each letterbox basically saying the following...

‘Dear neighbours

If you are self isolating, or simply do not feel able to go out at the present time, please know that (so long as I am well) I can help with:
collecting shopping
collecting medicine
posting mail

My telephone number is xxxx
Best wishes, Kittybee at Kittybee’s house

NO CHARGE

Let’s work together to spread kindness, not the virus!’

It’s a small thing, but hopefully my neighbours will feel that they’re not alone.

No. I know people mean well and it’s all very commendable, but the virus can survive up to NINE DAYS on surfaces.
If you’re handing out food etc to neighbours, you could very easily pass them the virus too.
Please stop.

The whole point of being in isolation is to avoid contact with infection.

If you’re handing out food etc to neighbours, you could very easily pass them the virus too.

So, what do you propose? People don't get food delivered and die instead?

I know this provides an irresistible opportunity for some people to virtue signal.... but it needs to be done very carefully indeed.

Tins etc should be left outside for a MINIMUM of nine days before being taken inside by whoever needs them.

My neighbours are an obnoxious lot. So, no.

Tins etc should be left outside for a MINIMUM of nine days before being taken inside by whoever needs them

or the householder can take them inside, wash them thoroughly and then wash their hands

No I am not.

I know this provides an irresistible opportunity for some people to virtue signal.... but it needs to be done very carefully indeed.

Tins etc should be left outside for a MINIMUM of nine days before being taken inside by whoever needs them.

I'm sorry but this is simply ludicrous! If this is true, then we must simply accept the virus will spread and face the music. Sensible measures can be taken to flatten the curve. These very far sensible measures.

Yes. Have sent a similar note out to neighbours as Kittybee.

Delivered food can be wiped down.

We're doing this with local services. Our lead is contacting the churches police and community centre tomorrow.

I just can't imagine leaving people to fend for themselves. That mentality makes me sick.

Neighbours both sides just 70, one with autoimmune condition. Have offered shopping, prescriptions, etc.

Have also agreed to have a cuppa with one side in the garden over the phone - we would be way too far away to talk normally and we usually have to really shout across anyway. The other side would be too close to do this with but happy to go to the end of my garden while we natter so I can be seen from the window. Anything to abate the bloody loneliness.

Will also bring their bins out and back and disinfect the handles and anything else necessary.

@adaline - I’m not a dog walker or a dog owner but I know that there are at least one couple over 70 on my street who have a young dog with high exercise needs. How weird/legal would it be for me to offer to walk their dog if they need it? I’ve only met them once but waved a couple of times too.

So to those who disagree with offering to help out neighbours in case we pass on the virus, what alternative do you suggest? If my elderly neighbours do have the internet, and do have the skills to order online, and if they can get a delivery slot in the next couple of weeks, then that food will have been picked by a person, and delivered by a person, both of whom could have the virus. So, if that isn’t happening then they could head out on public transport, with other people, and then walk around a supermarket, with other people, all of whom could have the virus. Or they could just starve. I’ve had two phone calls this morning from neighbours who, although they don’t need anything right now, have said that they now don’t feel quite so alone and worried. I’ve reassured them that I would only go if I felt completely well, would pick all goods wearing gloves, and would leave the bag on the doorstep. Not ideal maybe, but neither is the situation we find ourselves in.

@itsmybirthdayagain20 you don't need any license or qualifications 😊 I'm insured but if you're doing it for a neighbour I wouldn't say it was necessary.

I know this provides an irresistible opportunity for some people to virtue signal.... but it needs to be done very carefully indeed.

Tins etc should be left outside for a MINIMUM of nine days before being taken inside by whoever needs them.

Don't be ridiculous. Are you not bringing your shopping in for 9 days in case the shelf stacker or cashier has the virus?
Plenty of people don't have 9 days worth of food to keep them going while they wait for the food on their doorstep to be "safe". Plus this obviously only applies to food that can be left for a prolonged period outside, so nothing that needs to be in a fridge/freezer, nothing too perishable, and nothing in cardboard.
Obviously if you're feeling ill you shouldn't be delivering food, but if the alternative is someone not having any food then healthy people delivering and leaving on the doorstep is clearly the best solution.