FFS just because you CAN go to 'The Range' doesn't mean you should

[Torri67]

Nor any of the other shops unfairly dodging the lockdown closure by claiming they are essential (someone on another thread's, local shoe shop, local branch of Next) etc.

It's bloody ridiculous. The more we are out and about, the more this virus has a chance to keep spreading. Don't click and collect from your local business, place orders online from them or phone up and arrange delivery.

Just stop f**king going out. If you don't HAVE to go out for work, essential shopping - ie food or medicine, just stay at home.

If you don't, don't moan when bloody Boris is on our screens on 2nd December saying the lockdown is extended.

But that’s not the fault nor responsibility of the non-vulnerable. If your relatives can’t do these things, how are they going to be affected by someone going to the Range? Or are you doing that thing whereby because you can’t have something you don’t want anyone else to have it either?

Do you really not understand how people being out and about unnecessarily has an impact on:

Firstly, the length of lockdown for everyone (and the consequences of that for the many small businesses currently shut),

and

Secondly, the length of time many vulnerable people are forced to lock themselves away from society?

I dont believe shops are the great drivers of infection tbh. You arent close enough for long enough to spread much especially if wearing a mask.
I think, unfortunately, they do drive infection to some extent. That's surely the whole point of closing some of them temporarily.

I agree with you OP.

I'd love to take a few people on a tour and show them just how much some patients are suffering with this illness, and also how full the hospital is with Covid cases.

My BIL is a Covid ICU doctor and he has got no problem with people visiting non essential shops. What he does have a problem with is the fact the government has cocked up test and trace so badly.

Not all NHS staff are pro lockdown.

I want this virus to go away as much as the next person, but I won't be locking myself up again. It was bad enough the first time, when I could at least sit in the garden and read or go for a walk.

I hate the fact that DP is a keyworker working ridiculous hours, whereas I'm at home, doing nothing.

Last time, I did all of my shopping online. It was in my head that if DP brought germs back and then I went to the supermarket I could infect people without knowing, so I didn't want to do that.

This time however, I will absolutely be going to the shops for the things I need. I'll take the necessary precautions and wear a mask (which you didn't even have to during the last lockdown!)

But I WILL be going to the shops.

There doesn't seem to be the same kind of support as there was last time, the camaraderie of weekly Zooms from various social groups, the Thursday clapping etc. This time it feels like we're all just resigned to it, and are thinking 'oh, not THIS again' and as such those who are isolated will be even more so.

So yes, I am going to be putting my mental health first, and will be going to the shops.

I think, unfortunately, they do drive infection to some extent.

You 'think' so, or you have seen evidence linking Covid outbreaks to 'non-essential' shops?

And define 'some extent'.

I have just been looking at the Range online. I hadn't heard of it before but just because there isn't one round me. But if I drive 1.5 hours, it turns out I can go and see what all the fuss is about.

And I'm sorry but they sell things like this. www.therange.co.uk/christmas/christmas-decorations/garden-and-outdoor-decorations/polar-bear-light-feature/#134004

I have never in my life had outdoor light up decorations because I am probably (without meaning to be) an insufferable middle class snob (I love decorations on other houses though) but I have realised owning this light up polar bear is the key to me being happy this winter. I am going to buy one and sit counting the days until December when I am allowed to turn it on. My neighbours will likely not want to talk to me ever again but I will be happy.

All these places were open first time round. B&M, Poundland, Wilko and Superdrug were my weekly relief for a little treat. I'll be damned if I'm not going this time when theres even less risk

“Stay safe” fills me with irrational rage.

Duchess Kate shops at The Range! hope she’s on mumsnet so she realises it’s open.

@IcedPurple
I don't think the government would shut them down without good reason.

@WankPuffins

“Stay safe” fills me with irrational rage.

Nothing irrational about your rage!

And don't get me started on people who have changed their profile pics on SM to photos of their smug mugs wearing masks!

My local Range sells food, pet food, medicine, car maintenance stuff, home maintenance stuff as well as fluffy cushions, craft stuff and shite

I go in there quite a lot as I buy cat food from there. It’s the closest shop that sells the only brand that my fussy fuckers will eat in large boxes

I might buy all manner of other crap while I’m in there

They shut them to be seen to be doing something

[quote LizzieAnt]@IcedPurple
I don't think the government would shut them down without good reason.[/quote]
So that's your 'evidence'?

You must have extraordinary faith in this govt to accept everything they do without question.

People’s ideas of essential seems to differ 🤔, for me decorating my house this month is not essential, buying a mop wouldn’t be essential (I can clean the flour with a cloth, not buying clothes for a month isn’t really tricky, of course if my child desperately needed shoes that would be essential. For me buying food in B&M, the range, home bargains is not essential but if you can’t drive and your nearest shop is B&M then it maybe essential.

You can buy most things online with next day delivery (Amazon), you can even buy food online.

I think people are just looking for reasons to go out every day using the ‘it’s essential’ thing. I do understand why, it’s not easy staying in, it’s not good for your mental health but you can exercise, walk, run, cycle etc..

I think people are just looking for reasons to go out every day using the ‘it’s essential’ thing. I do understand why, it’s not easy staying in, it’s not good for your mental health but you can exercise, walk, run, cycle etc..

FFS not 'go for a walk' again! It's got a bit boring after nearly 8 months.

HCP here and I'm not pro lockdown. We are not all a homogenous lump of people with the same view just because we work in the medical field.

Didn't know the Range is open - fab! Will be paying a visit.

@IcedPurple
The more social interaction there is the more the virus spreads. Surely we all know that by now.

Didn't even know those shops were staying open thanks OP!

@Lovemusic33

People’s ideas of essential seems to differ 🤔, for me decorating my house this month is not essential, buying a mop wouldn’t be essential (I can clean the flour with a cloth, not buying clothes for a month isn’t really tricky, of course if my child desperately needed shoes that would be essential. For me buying food in B&M, the range, home bargains is not essential but if you can’t drive and your nearest shop is B&M then it maybe essential.

You can buy most things online with next day delivery (Amazon), you can even buy food online.

I think people are just looking for reasons to go out every day using the ‘it’s essential’ thing. I do understand why, it’s not easy staying in, it’s not good for your mental health but you can exercise, walk, run, cycle etc..

My sentiments exactly. Well said.

As for Stay Safe (which lots of posters seem to have a strong dislike to) I take it back.

Stay.. whatever the universe decides you deserve. let karma sort that shit out :-)

The inevitable consequence of selfish people carrying on shopping as normal, is the shops will end up closing because they have so many staff off sick, that opening is no longer possible.

I'm happier to go shopping this time because masks are compulsory and people are (mostly) social distancing in shops.

@Nancydowns

Actually, I've come up with a new slogan -

"Protect the economy, jobs and businesses, KEEP SHOPPING"

I'm certain that Saint Boris will be telling us the same thing, while wearing a Santa hat (or he'll probably be cartooned with one).

Fuck yes, stay safe is so annoying. Everyone at work signs off their email with it. Bastards.
I do like “for the greater good” though as it reminds me of Hot Fuzz. Think I may start signing off my emails with “fuck off up the model village”.

They should now say 'stay sane' not stay bloody safe

@WindChimeTinkle

Being told to "Stay safe" makes me want to run naked into The Range and buy glitter.

Where are you? I ask because many of us would like to come and cheer you on! 😃