Rural living

[YoursTunbridgeWells]

Does anyone else agree there is a high risk to living rurally.

I am worried that there will be very limited petrol available. Plus we can't rely on online deliveries - many people can't get slots or the food they need is missing from the order.

There may be no local community close enough to do errands such as picking up medication if you are ill - plus if no fuel.... then no help.

I live 8 miles from a town. No shops between. I know people who live 10-20 miles away are we supposed to walk and carry our stuff home?

Plus if you're further away and an ambulance is needed.... It's not going to come is it?

I don't think we are particularly any more at risk from those issues as usual. There's no reason to believe that fuel supply will be an issue at this stage which seems to be your main concern.

I personally have avoided the supermarkets etc as I always have a two week supply of everything as standard in the winter months in case we get snowed in.

On my local community Facebook groups messages are going out with offers of help for anyone who is isolating, and local small cottage industry suppliers of meat, eggs etc saying what they have available locally. It's lambing time for a lot of the farmers round here so they are pretty busy but at other times of year they are usually pretty good at helping out when needed.

For the last few years the ambulances haven't come anyway.

We have the benefit of being able to isolate more effectively.

I think there are pros and cons to living in both rural areas and towns.
Less dense population might mean a higher chance of getting medical help (although I assume empty beds if that's even a thing will be filled by people further away)
Further away from people
Access to fresh produce from farmers and small businesses who may be able to deliver
Try to look for positives in this difficult time

Same as above, I dont think we will find it too difficult. Living rurally we are lucky to have access to our own eggs and vegetables and social distancing / isolation is easier knowing you have outside space to access risk free.