Corona Care – Retailers step in to help
A steady stream of social media posts by small independent retailers have been steaming, offering to help any local elderly, infirm or isolated people.
There is even evidence of co-ordinated efforts in some areas, with friends, neighbours, country men and women stepping in to the breach.
In Dublin, journalist Helen O’Rahilly initiated a twitter campaign #selfisolationhelp.
Mace Aghalee posted on facebook “Community Spirit – Coronavirus preparations” with an email and telephone number for customers needing home deliveries to households undergoing self-isolation during the ‘delay phase’.
Pharmacies have been organising care packages for the most disadvantaged, infirm and isolated.
Stockpiling and panic buying has had a negative impact.
NI Retail Consortium’s sound twitter advice to shoppers in a nutshell – Buy responsibly (only what you need), don’t over buy, don’t get annoyed over queues, think of adding items for a food bank, think of those who can only shop weekly – overbuying causes supply problems.