Should we be shopping online?

[Nquartz]

It's DD's birthday soon so I've just placed a couple or orders to get her presents.

But am I stopping people from social distancing because there'll be delivery drivers out & about.

I'm not going out myself though, and I couldn't face not giving DD presents when well likely be on lock down & she'll need something nice to do.

I suppose it just depends where from as obviously Amazon is now snowed under too so you may struggle to get things delivered quickly.

Delivery drivers don't have contact with the people they deliver to, though - I've had several deliveries in the last few days and they place the parcels on the doorstep and stand back. The drivers are at work - would you rather that they didn't work and didn't get paid?

If you can get a slot! My DS birthday is April. I’m getting his things before lockdown (UK)

If you can, try to support smaller/independent online retailers in particular as they are the ones likely to struggle the most in the coming weeks and months.

In general deliveries are operating as normal at the moment and most companies have taken extra precautions to protect their drivers and customers (for example not asking you to sign for the delivery on their PDA device).

The Post Office and other delivery companies are introducing new protocols to reduce direct contact, so you don't have to worry. They may not hand the items directly to you, or ask for a signature.

We've not used amazon yet but do need printer ink so will have to be from them.

So far we've supported Smyth's and Baker Ross.

That was my thoughts, I'm helping people to keep working.

My friend's DH is a postman, they've been offered time off unpaid but he's the sole earner so he's still going everyday even though they're both afraid of him getting corona

You'll be keeping people in a job, avoid Amazon as they're too busy and it's not fair to their staff but small traders will thank you for your business. Can you do a google search to identify smaller businesses near to you then click through to the websites from there? Even consider local farm shops/ bakers/ delis for some nice party food, even if the party is only your immediate family then treat yourselves. Celebrations are the small moments of happiness that will get us all through this.

Great idea @LauraAshleySofa I'll do that