LOCKDOWN STRESS!

 

What a time this is! We're under a two week lockdown on New Providence. Except for essential workers, we can't go anywhere at all on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday (except for exercising in our yards or 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. in our immediate neighbourhood). We've had lockdowns before, but none as long as this one. It's rumoured that it might be extended and may even be more restrictive!

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, food stores, gas stations, hardwares (but only for those carrying lumber and concrete, and for curbside pick up only), pharmacies (curbside pick up only), and banks (mornings only) are open. We're supposed to just go there, shop, and return quickly to our homes (hah!). One person per family is supposed to be a designated shopper (that's not working!).

Because of the severe restrictions, on the days we can go to any of these, it's crazy with people crowding and standing in long lines, many not wearing masks or wearing them incorrectly. The overcrowding must be defeating the purpose of trying to reduce the number of positive Covid-19 cases. Then supplies fly off the shelves, so shoppers have to dash from one store to another.

Erskine had a terrible rush yesterday trying to get enough groceries for the weekend. Then our water delivery guy couldn't make it, as they were restricted to only three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday - plus Saturdays for essential workers only). He said he could drop our water today. However, by the time it got to mid-afternoon, we were getting worried. We didn't have enough drinking water to last until Monday. Anyway, he eventually got here and saved the day.

Someone we know says he had quite a time at a gas station the other day. When he paid for his gas, the cashier angrily informed him that the $20 bill he gave her was counterfeit. He tried to replace it, but was short $1.51. He told her he would have to come back to pay the $1.51. She didn't want to accept that, but in the end he drove off, got more money from his house and returned to pay her the $1.51. He worked out later that the counterfeit note had been in change he was given at a food store. 

If Covid-19 doesn't kill us, all this lockdown stress will!