Self isolating... Accessing deliveries with communal entrance

[Leekandpotatosoup]

I'm in a top floor flat of a small block. I'm in one of the vulnerable groups. Post comes downstairs to the communal entrance hall. I plan to collect it once a week in a mask and gloves. What do I do about food? I've found a local store delivering groceries but they'll only come to the communal block entrance. Am I being over cautious? Going down to the shared entrance means going outside in a way. I walk past several flats through a very small, narrow hallway. No windows so unventilated.

Well how else will you get it? Better than going out to the shops I can see why the drivers don’t want to come up.

If you're in one of the v vulnerable groups told to self shield I would contact your local council. They are providing food and should come to your front door to avoid you having to leave your home.

Can you ask the local shop to text you just before they deliver so that you can be ready to go down and collect your order quickly? How will you be paying for the delivery? Cash or card? If cash ask beforehand what the total is and try to have the right money, or case to it so you don't need change. Take a few large bags downstairs with you so that you don't have to make too many journeys . Don't touch hand rails and surfaces . I don't think many of your neighbours will be socialising on the stairs but if they are ask them nicely to give you space. Wash your hands when you get back upstairs. Wearing disposable gloves will help your anxiety, but it seems masks are a false security so I wouldn't bother.

You sound a anxious, I think it would be a good idea for your mental and physical health if you could manage to get outside daily for a quick walk around the block, it would do you good to be in fresh air and sunlight, and you could pick your post up on the way back in.

Take care.

Thanks for the replies. Yes I'm a bit too anxious! I'll ask them to text when they're on their way. I'm not in the extremely vulnerable shielding group, just the general vulnerable group so I might go for a little walk at a quiet time. It's strange being inside for so long.