Last Saturday morning I set the alarm clock. It was my turn to shop and I wanted to get to the supermarket early. That’s when the deliveries apparently happen so shelves should be full. Front line staff and those over seventy have the first hour to themselves but I wanted to be in the queue as soon after nine o’clock as possible!
This sounds really crazy but I was excited to be going out yet slightly concerned! I was looking forward to getting ‘dressed up’ but apprehensive about going into a potential Covid-19 environment! I felt safe at home! I had control over what I did and where I went. I was in lockdown and had taken it very seriously.
But we needed to eat. I also had a list from three other households who were over seventy and had underlying health problems. My husband did his bit last week. Now it was my turn. I had to ‘man up’ and get out there! This agoraphobic tendency was new to me! It had to be overcome or ignored!
So I concentrated on my wardrobe! Not exercising, but only going for daily walks and keeping to the same diet did not bode well. I chose my ‘largest’ pair of jeans, a new blouse bought a while ago but never worn and highish wedges. Bearing in mind I have lived in comfort clothes and flats for weeks! In my defence, I still paint my face every morning and ensure my hair is clean and tidy so haven’t completely ‘slobbed’!
My jeans weren’t very comfortable but I could still do them up! The weather forecast was sunny and warm so my new blouse would suffice. I had washed my hair the previous evening so felt ‘frocked up’ and ready to go! I put a bag of antiseptic tissues and hand gel into my handbag and hit the road!
The road was bizarrely empty! There was minimal traffic out and about at eight thirty on this sunny morning. In fact, for most of my journey I was all alone! Surreal! I arrived at the supermarket to be met by a long queue which snaked from the entrance to almost the end of the car park. Undeterred, I parked, re-sanitised my hands, collected my bags and joined the queue.
And then I morphed into my mother. I started chatting to people in front and behind me! My mother used to do this when I took her shopping. I kept on reminding her that not everyone wanted to talk! I didn’t! I just wanted to do the shopping and get out of the supermarket as soon as possible!
I lasted about five minutes before I made my first comment about the lovely weather! Not very original but just felt the need to talk! The lady behind me naively looked at me, smiled and agreed. My first victim! I just couldn’t help myself. I was out in the big bad world, had my freedom back and my spirits had begun to lift. All was going well as we slowly moved along, everyone quietly minding their own business. Even I had reached the end of my ‘newsy’ chat and began to enjoy just being outside and away from the house.
And then someone coughed! Twice! Somewhere behind me!
My earlier paranoia returned! I froze and could feel panic take hold. My logical brain kicked in, albeit briefly! That cough didn’t have to be Coronavirus! I turned around and saw the culprit! A young woman in a vest and shorts with a mass of pink hair! She coughed again, into her arm! She must have been about ten metres from me. Was that any protection? I caught the eye of the woman I had spoken to earlier. I could see a look of fear on her face. The young woman coughed again.
Suddenly the queue surged forward! One more cough later and I was inside the supermarket, lists in hand and concentrating on getting finished. I passed a few women looking as if they were on a hospital ward, all togged out in protective gloves, masks and head visors!
Soon the car was packed and I was ready to leave. The roads were still empty. People were obeying the request to stay at home. I hope that young women didn’t have Covid-19. If I had a cough, knowing it is one of the symptoms, I would not have gone out. Perhaps she had been tested. Best I reserve judgement! I felt for those closer to her in the queue. We are living through very fraught times! Paranoia is bound to set in!
So, I’ve done my stint for another two weeks! I’ve left ‘food parcels’ outside friends’ doors. I’m going to change back into my glad rags, stay home, stay safe and help the NHS! I just need to exercise more and eat a bit less …….👠
Jenny Burrell 