Would you use public transport for this?

[QuornHub]

I've not used any PT since 12 March. I've no access to a car so have been doing the grocery shopping on foot, three times a week or so. DH comes with me when he's available but he's working long hours at the moment so he can't do it often.

I have rheumatoid arthritis so I can only carry a limited amount each trip. After all these weeks it's beginning to take its toll - I'm in increasing amounts of pain and I'm not able to have my usual steroid injection to alleviate it. My feet and hands are particularly badly affected - not good when you're walking 2 miles with heavy shopping!

I'm considering getting the bus for the return trips at least when I'm laden, but I'm not sure if a) it's essential travel or b) how safe it is. I've avoided it for this long but honestly, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to continue like this. Where I live is a hotspot currently, it's the second top area in the UK for infections. So a bus into town is a little daunting.

So as not to drip feed, I don't have any friends or family near me to help and I haven't been able to get a delivery slot since early March (our local Tesco is notorious for crap substitutions anyway and I've always had to go back out after a delivery to replace stuff!). And anyway there are people far worse off than me who could make better use of any slots which do become available.

WWYD?

Why haven't you had your injections? My FIL and my friend have both had theirs recently. No need to be in unnecessary pain

I'd avoid it if you could. Would a taxi and a big shop once a week not be better?

Yes I would. I would say its definitely essential travel especially if you can't get a delivery slot. Although I am able to get a slot for Asda 2 weeks in advance if I'm online by 6am (which is easy for me as I'm usually up at 5am)

I would. You're getting shopping, it's essential travel.

I'd say go for it but take precautions such as gloves, hand sanitizer, etc. I've had to take the bus a few times (can't drive due to medical issues, and am a single parent) and there's only been a tiny amount of people on the bus each time. I have to take DS in the pram too but it's been easier if anything than before lockdown where it was so crammed on the busses. I refuse to get a slot as others need them more but I think you are one of those people who deserve one! Have you considered a shopping trolley? Without DS's pram I'd be stuck getting food halfway home, let alone 2 miles.

I'd use Tesco deliveries - check the order, the night before to see what is out of stock and make changes to what they do have in stock. Write notes by items, about what substitutions are acceptable.

IMO, you are a deserving case.

@Bridecilla I've been advised not to have one because it increases the risk of complications if I were to get C19, and lowers immunity so I've more chance of catching it. It's a steroid injection and I usually have a couple a year, up to 4 if necessary.

@CrocodilesCry I thought of that but I was a bit concerned about being so close to the taxi driver.

The buses here are practically empty - they go past by window every 10 minutes and I've seen about 5 passengers on them all day today!

food shopping is essential , and since the buses are empty it's extra ok

Think about a face covering ?

Crossposted with lots of you!

@ComfyCosyGood I have a shopping trolley, it's brilliant. I also use a couple of totes and usually a shopping bag too. We have 3 cats so that's a LOT of cat litter a week!

I hear all the time on local FB Covid aid groups that people haven't been able to get delivery slots so really, I'm loathe to take them from others if there's any way at all I can manage. If I had absolutely no choice I would but there are older people, people shielding etc who can't get slots locally so I'd rather avoid if possible.

@attackedbycritters I've got a whole wardrobe of masks and a lifetime supply of gloves and sanitiser so not a problem!

It's not about it being "essential travel" - that's no longer the guidance.

People are being told to avoid public transport if they can and to walk, drive or cycle if possible.

It's about how much risk you expose yourself to.

Sitting in the back of a taxi for a two mile journey will expose you to the taxi driver who will be taking precautions for a shorter period.

Taking the bus three times a week will expose you to more risk and more people for a longer period.

But an bus has more space than a taxi. In a taxi you will be within 2 meters, in a bus you won't be

I live in London and the buses I’ve seen during the day are empty. I would absolutely get the bus in your situation.

That's what I'm thinking re buses v taxis - our buses are empty and I could sit at the back, away from the driver, next to an open window. And of course in a taxi you're exposed to whoever has used it in the past day or whatever too - technically the same on a bus, but they're so empty right now I think there's less chance of picking something up from a seat.

All our buses have signs on the front saying essential travel only - might explain why nobody is using them!

Also I have a disabled bus pass which means my travel would be free which it wouldn't be in a taxi so there's that, and I'm tight poor 😂

Yes, get the bus. The buses are not letting many people on, wear a mask and carry hand sanitiser.

I've got RA too and rheumy doesn't want me to have steroids so I sympathize.

I do think you are deserving of a delivery slot though. I've found availability has really improved- I can even get Sainsbury's now! Especially if you use it to stock up on the big heavy items and you top up on foot with the fresh bits?

Can you get an Iceland delivery?
I've found them marvellous free over £35 too and I've never struggled to get a slot.

Not going to comment on your anxieties but going grocery shopping has always been “essential travel”. The guidance was you can leave your house to buy essential supplies, including taking public transport if necessary. Currently you’re advised to wear a face covering, use hand sanitizer before/after travel and travel at off peak times when using public transport

Why not when husband can take you, get at least the cat litter, say a months supply, and any of the heavy and non perishable stuff, such as dare I say it loo roll! Then you can just get a few bits and pieces and may only need bus once a week.

I've been on the local hourly bus service a handful of times throughout lockdown, when I just carry all my shopping. It's under 5 minutes by bus and there's never been more than 3 or 4 others on at the same time. I felt as I had no choice, as I have mild ME/CFS, there weren't any taxis available and I can't trust my 17 year old son to get any complicated shopping (e.g. substitutes).

Sorry, should be just couldn't carry all my shopping bags.

Just get on the bus they are empty.

The people responding over exaggerating the risk probability have cars so don’t understand the need.

I am really surprised you can’t get an online shopping slot. People had problems at the start but most supermarkets have upped their numbers of slots. I’m normally a Tesco shopper but have been using a combination of Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Asda for my parents

Rather get a bus than a taxi.
Is there really noone to help? Call your local council and see if there's any help available for this.
Also can't you order cat litter online atleast?