A recent incident in the Co-op highlighted one of the biggest problems we are facing – PEOPLE ARE STILL SHOPPING TOO FREQUENTLY.

Everyone should be aiming to go to the shops just once or twice a week – not daily.

We all have to change our habits – going to the shops for a daily paper is not essential – it puts the shopper, other shoppers and shop staff at risk of catching the coronavirus.   Daily papers can be delivered by NewsTeam and other suppliers.

Government advice is clear – STAY AT HOME, PROTECT THE NHS, SAVE LIVES.

Our Co-op store, also incorporating the Post Office, is small and management have looked at the options of ‘one in one out’, creating a one way system, etc. but none of these would work with the store as it is laid out.

Staff are provided with PPE – they all have gloves, sanitiser and wipes which are also by self service tills.  Over the coming days checkouts will be fitted with perspex screens to protect staff and shoppers.

From tomorrow there will be door monitoring to ensure that there are only 10 customers at any one time in store. Unfortunately this will include the Post Office so the wait will depend on what customers are doing or buying. This decision has been made based on comments from the public. It will also affect the stock refilling pace as a member of staff will have to stay by the door.

In addition, posters about social distancing will be displayed in the Co-op tomorrow to remind shoppers.

Our Co-op team are risking themselves by turning up every day to serve us and are doing their very best in extremely difficult circumstances.   We should be very grateful.

STAY AT HOME, PROTECT THE NHS, SAVE LIVES