Supermarkets told to sell only essential items...

[Ammi]

...this is specifically a story regarding supermarkets in Wales but it’ll apply more widely I’m sure and I didn’t want it to get lost in the main COVID thread...I mean, I totally get the ‘theory’ of this, to try to ‘level’ it a bit for retail businesses which can’t stay open...but it’s the lack of clarity of essential and non essential and how it’s indeed very far from ‘being made clear’...certain items of clothing as a for instance...(...if a child needed a specific item for school or an elderly person needed a clothing item etc...)...would be more of an essential than confectionary/unhealthy or luxury food items etc...?...but those things will continue to be sold as essentials, while other more essential for some, won’t be...is that correct...?...


Supermarkets will be unable to sell items like clothes during the 17-day Covid firebreak lockdown in Wales.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said it would be "made clear" to them they are only able to open parts of their business that sell "essential goods".
Many retailers will be forced to shut but food shops, off-licences and pharmacies can stay open when lockdown begins on Friday at 18:00 BST.
Retailers said they had not been given a definition of what was essential.
The Association of Convenience Stores and the Welsh Retail Consortium have written urgently to the first minister, expressing alarm over the new regulations.
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: "Compelling retailers to stop selling certain items, without them being told clearly what is and what isn't permitted to be sold, is ill-conceived and short-sighted."
Welsh Conservative Andrew RT Davies tweeted: "The power is going to their heads."
But Plaid Cymru's Helen Mary Jones said "smaller businesses should not be put at an unfair disadvantage during the firebreak lockdown".

...full article...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-54648194

[arista]

Put Wales
in the title, please

[Ammi]

...no because it’s expanding out to a general ‘essential and non essential’ vibe...the article about Wales is just more used as an example...

[Nicky91]

...no because it’s expanding out to a general ‘essential and non essential’ vibe...the article about Wales is just more used as an example...

agree with you Ammi, also we need to prevent the whole ''hamstering'' mess what happened in the first wave too

hamstering is not necessary, you can still go grocery shopping each week or every 2 weeks, just mask up (which also increases your chances of not catching the virus, some masks protect up to either 94% 96% or 97%

and for elderly who can't rely on other family members, there is always a last resort thing as online grocery shopping, which is very handy and delivered at your doorstep, with just exactly the amount you order, nothing less or too much

also toilet paper can be ordered via online shopping either, but more a minimal amount so not that you can hamster via that

[bots]

I completely understand the reasoning for it, but essential is in the eyes of the individual, not the collective so I don't think that can be reconciled. I think so many stores have an on line presence now, that you can get anything you want, just not in person, so it's a pretty meaningless debate in that context.

There is a more fundamental problem. High street shopping isn't compatible with a covid environment because it encourages population concentration no matter how covid secure a particular shop may be. That's why high streets shops have continued to struggle, people just don't want to converge on mass at the moment in any way shape or form and that wont change until there is a vaccine or 100% effective treatment

[Cherie]

This has nothing to do with food Nicky, it’s about section of supermarkets that sell clothes, electrical goods, etc

I can see where they are coming from as shops selling only clothes/shoes have had to close so allowing supermarkets to continue to retail them does smack of unfairness, most people can go without buying clothes for 17 days it’s just the logistics as if you kettle blows up that’s an essential, so sealing off entire sections will be a logistical nightmare

I think treats are essential especially during a lockdown ..no?

[Ammi]

...but because COVID is not going to be a ‘short term’ thing and could indeed be our lives for a very long time...then it’s more about the definition of essential and non essential...and restrictions shouldn’t be applied unless they’re not only clarified but justified as logical as well...certain items of clothing over the extended period we’re living with COVID would become essentials more than say, confectionary items...

[Cherie]

As Bots sails it’s pretty pointless anyway as people can order online, I think in a short lockdown it’s viable, but if extended longer they would have to look at it again, they are trying to make it fair for everyone, unfortunately that’s pretty impossible

[Cherie]

This is Easter Egg gate all over again basically :laugh:

I think it was Zizu who said he tried to buy some hand towels in the first lockdown in Tesco and was refused as they weren’t essential

It’s basically a mess

[Ammi]

...well that’s the point of it...it’s a mess and makes no logical sense at all unless it’s clearly defined as to essential and non essential...this is a time when it’s important to apply thought beyond surface gestures that will ultimately be meaningless anyway...

[Cherie]

...well that’s the point of it...it’s a mess and makes no logical sense at all unless it’s clearly defined as to essential and non essential...this is a time when it’s important to apply thought beyond surface gestures that will ultimately be meaningless anyway...

I would imagine some small businesses have complained to their MPs so it’s a box ticking exercise in the main

[Ammi]

...yeah I don’t know if it’s for box ticking but it’s most definitely something which only goes to restrict further in essential items for many households...one absolute essential with COvID is a public compliance which ill thought out decisions appear to be pushing farther and farther away ....

[bots]

It's pure frustration coming out and I completely understand it. They do everything to comply with covid security and then get told to close anyway, who wouldn't be pissed off in that situation, and what is not being made clear to them is that it is not their fault, the issue is the general movement of people and trying to reduce that. The problem is that schools being open dwarfs any other population movement (with the exception of work commuting). Schools need to re-think their education plans and how they go about it. That will bring the rate of infection down dramatically

[Zizu]

This is Easter Egg gate all over again basically :laugh:



I think it was Zizu who said he tried to buy some hand towels in the first lockdown in Tesco and was refused as they weren’t essential



It’s basically a mess



Yeah it was one of our friends .. Tesco took his towels out of his trolley at checkout..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Ammi]

...it’s only going to lead to more frustration though...this isn’t the supermarkets, it’s the government restricting the supermarkets, therefore restricting the public further, without the applying more thought to essential and non essential...

[Cherie]

I am not surprised that businesses are complaining, upset and frustrated, when we have gone out to restuarants, they have all bent over backwards to ensure our safety and now some of those are shut through no fault of their own, but people can have house parties where there is no one bending over backwards to comply with the rules, its a complete mess

[joeysteele]

I'd be against this actually.

Supermarkets if allowed to open should be selling their full range.
I mean would bedding, hardware, are even newstands and publications really necessary.

Clothing however, needed for themselves and children.
This seems unnecessary.

Also the size of supermarkets, all areas open, as long as distancing and masks are on, then the more of the store operating, opens up.more space in the store too when people are in.

I can't see any logical reason for restricting the buying of anything a supermarket usually sells, once you're letting customers in, in the first place.

[Ammi]

...I think that one of the most obvious ones is alcohol...(...I’m not suggesting that alcohol not be sold btw...)...but based on the restrictions being placed and the reasoning why...alcohol selling businesses aren’t being allowed to open and complete livelihoods will be lost...so a ‘levelling’ for that as was stated, would be for alcohol not to be sold in supermarkets...and therefore obviously reducing the access to alcohol for house parties as well, which are said to be a large infection contributing factor...the government really can’t continue to keep blundering in and all over etc...we’re several months into this virus and several months into restrictions and thought has to be applied otherwise where is the confidence that is being demanded by the public...

[bots]

If supermarkets block off access to areas containing "non essential" items, they are pushing everyone in the supermarket into a smaller area, this increases the chances of infection. Many people walk up and down aisles even if they don't buy anything in them thus spacing everyone out more .... People are just not thinking these things through

[Cherie]

If supermarkets block off access to areas containing "non essential" items, they are pushing everyone in the supermarket into a smaller area, this increases the chances of infection. Many people walk up and down aisles even if they don't buy anything in them thus spacing everyone out more .... People are just not thinking these things through

I wonder if they will have to queue again in Wales during full lockdown, more people at home, and bored so they go out to the shop!

[Ammi]

If supermarkets block off access to areas containing "non essential" items, they are pushing everyone in the supermarket into a smaller area, this increases the chances of infection. Many people walk up and down aisles even if they don't buy anything in them thus spacing everyone out more .... People are just not thinking these things through


...is exactly my thoughts in this bots/...hence the thread...and this is far too important and we’re far too aware of ‘lack of thought’ for these things to continue to be thrown out there and causing more stress on an already stressed to limits public...?...to be able to replace an item of clothing for a child while at the supermarket, for instance...?...would very much be an essential for many, many parents...as would buying a Christmas gift and putting it aside etc...

[arista]

This is Not England


It all about today 6PM lockdown
in Wales. ONLY

[bots]

This is Not England


It all about today 6PM lockdown
in Wales. ONLY

We all know that Arista ... keep up :smug:

[arista]

We all know that Arista ... keep up :smug:

The Title is this

Wales lockdown: Supermarkets told to sell only essential items

[arista]

...no because it’s expanding out to a general ‘essential and non essential’ vibe...the article about Wales is just more used as an example...


Rubbish its the Nutty Wales Government

[Ammi]

The Title is this

Wales lockdown: Supermarkets told to sell only essential items

...no it isn’t, Arista...it’s not all about Wales is the thing...everything isn’t always only about Wales ...even when the fine country of Wales is used as an example...

[Ammi]

Rubbish its the Nutty Wales Government

..please stop being rude and silly just because you don’t like the title, because it doesn’t suit what you think it should be about exclusively...(...when it isn’t exclusively about that ...)...

[arista]

...no it isn’t, Arista...it’s not all about Wales is the thing...everything isn’t always only about Wales ...even when the fine country of Wales is used as an example...


From your BBC link

[Supermarkets will be unable to sell items
like clothes during the 17-day Covid firebreak lockdown in Wales.]



It is Not England

[Cherie]

tbf to Arista this does seem to only apply to Wales, it is not happening in NI for instance who are already in lockdown?

[Nicky91]

tbf to Arista this does seem to only apply to Wales, it is not happening in NI for instance who are already in lockdown?

tbh entire UK should be in lockdown now

[arista]

tbf to Arista this does seem to only apply to Wales, it is not happening in NI for instance who are already in lockdown?


Thank you
Ammi has it wrong in her title

[Ammi]

...the very beginning or the OP leading to the context of it all...

this is specifically a story regarding supermarkets in Wales but it’ll apply more widely I’m sure and I didn’t want it to get lost in the main COVID thread...I mean, I totally get the ‘theory’ of this, to try to ‘level’ it a bit for retail businesses which can’t stay open...but it’s the lack of clarity of essential and non essential and how it’s indeed very far from ‘being made clear’...certain items of clothing as a for instance...(...if a child needed a specific item for school or an elderly person needed a clothing item etc...)...would be more of an essential than confectionary/unhealthy or luxury food items etc...?...but those things will continue to be sold as essentials, while other more essential for some, won’t be...is that correct...?...


...I really don’t know what else to say so I’ll just leave it there because this is just silly, completely...

[arista]

tbh entire UK should be in lockdown now


Bollocks
the weak Labour Party
are not in power

[Ammi]

Thank you
Ammi has it wrong in her title

...no sir, you didn’t read my OP, which explained the whole context and thought process...

[Cherie]

These are the NI rules

The new country-wide measures are as follows: Support bubbles will be limited to a maximum of 10 people from two households, and overnight stays in private homes are banned unless in a support bubble. The hospitality sector will see industry-wide closures, apart from deliveries and takeaways. The country-wide 11pm curfew remains intact. Additionally, off licenses and supermarkets will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 8pm. Close contact services such as hairdressers and beauticians are not permitted to open. No indoor sport of any kind other than at elite level will be allowed. Gyms may remain open but for individual training only, so you will not be allowed to partake in gym classes. Funerals will be limited to 25 people, and no wakes are permitted. Places of worship will remain open with a mandatory requirement to wear face coverings when entering and exiting. Wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships will be limited to 25 people, and receptions are banned from Monday, October 19. The half term holiday break for schools and colleges will be extended to a two-week break to run from October 19 to October 30.


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/14/northern-ireland-circuit-breaker-lockdown-what-are-new-rules-coronavirus-uk-13421829/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

[Niamh.]

I mean you can buy clothes online anyway so I think it would be unfair to tell those supermarkets they can't sell clothes, people aren't allowed try stuff on (here anyway)

[Cherie]

Bollocks
the weak Labour Party
are not in power

I thought you were in favour of lockdowns Arista, I am confused :laugh:

[Cherie]

anyhoo I am getting my hair cut today just in case

[Cherie]

I mean you can buy clothes online anyway so I think it would be unfair to tell those supermarkets they can't sell clothes, people aren't allowed try stuff on (here anyway)

Trying on anything in shops hasn't been allowed at all since reopening, changing rooms have been blocked off, and if you return the item is not put back out for 48 hours I think (allegedly)

[arista]

I thought you were in favour of lockdowns Arista, I am confused :laugh:


No

[Niamh.]

Trying on anything in shops has been allowed at all since reopening, changing rooms have been blocked off, and if you return the item is not put back out for 48 hours I think (allegedly)

Same as here so

[Ammi]

...it’s still nice for people to actually be able to feel the quality of things like children’s clothes when they’re at the supermarket...rather than a more unknown of that on eBay and the likes...

[arista]

anyhoo I am getting my hair cut today just in case

how nice

[joeysteele]

...the very beginning or the OP leading to the context of it all...

this is specifically a story regarding supermarkets in Wales but it’ll apply more widely I’m sure and I didn’t want it to get lost in the main COVID thread...I mean, I totally get the ‘theory’ of this, to try to ‘level’ it a bit for retail businesses which can’t stay open...but it’s the lack of clarity of essential and non essential and how it’s indeed very far from ‘being made clear’...certain items of clothing as a for instance...(...if a child needed a specific item for school or an elderly person needed a clothing item etc...)...would be more of an essential than confectionary/unhealthy or luxury food items etc...?...but those things will continue to be sold as essentials, while other more essential for some, won’t be...is that correct...?...


...I really don’t know what else to say so I’ll just leave it there because this is just silly, completely...

Don't waste your time is my advice Ammi.
Your thread and title is perfectly appropriate and sensible.
As is even more your opening post.

Don't let nitpicking get to you.
Sometimes it's best to to just step back.

You don't need or likely want my advice but I'll give it anyway.

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/22/20/34723468-0-image-m-86_1603395000830.jpg

[user104658]

Just pushing more and more retail traffic to Amazon and other online retail tbh. Not that I can say much, I'm a prime member and use Amazon all the time :shrug:


Also...

"essential only"

... "off-licences"


[emoji849]

[Cherie]

Just pushing more and more retail traffic to Amazon and other online retail tbh. Not that I can say much, I'm a prime member and use Amazon all the time :shrug:


Also...

"essential only"

... "off-licences"


[emoji849]


Tbf most offlicences have a smail food and fresh veg section, they are also where you can top up your oyster and buy the lottery and cigs at least around here anyway

[Niamh.]

Off Licenses are bloody essential ffs!! Don't take every form of entertainment from us!

[bots]

Cherie pops out for her "lottery ticket"

https://media.giphy.com/media/3oxRmoYnT2pJl0NOM0/giphy.gif

[Cherie]

Cherie pops out for her "lottery ticket"

https://media.giphy.com/media/3oxRmoYnT2pJl0NOM0/giphy.gif

:laugh:

[Cherie]

Off Licenses are bloody essential ffs!! Don't take every form of entertainment from us!

TS wants us all teetotal by the end of the pandemic

[Amy Jade]

My friend who works in Asda just put in the group chat fireworks aren't being sold.

I've very happy as lots of poor animals are petrified of them

[Niamh.]

TS wants us all teetotal by the end of the pandemic

:oh:

My friend who works in Asda just put in the group chat fireworks aren't being sold.

I've very happy as lots of poor animals are petrified of them

That's good to hear

[Dogeatdog]

Just pushing more and more retail traffic to Amazon and other online retail tbh. Not that I can say much, I'm a prime member and use Amazon all the time :shrug:


Also...

"essential only"

... "off-licences"


[emoji849]

I’d say off licences are essential since they do sell a fair amount of essential items. During the first lockdown it was one of the very few places you could actually by toilet/ kitchen roll where I lived since all the bigger supermarket chains were always completely wiped out. I don’t see why they should be closed?

[user104658]

TS wants us all teetotal by the end of the pandemicI actually don't want them sectioning off any areas of shops to decide for people what is and isn't "essential" :hee:

However I just find it a really bleak painting of our society when new underpants are considered non-essential, but a bottle of MD20/20 is a staple requirement.

[Dogeatdog]

My friend who works in Asda just put in the group chat fireworks aren't being sold.

I've very happy as lots of poor animals are petrified of them

That’s actually great to hear. My dogs are fine with fireworks but it must be awful for animals that are left outside all the time (horses and stray foxes for example).

[The Slim Reaper]

A supermarket in Wales, with non-essentials being covered up with Dexter plastic wrap.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElA3pyVXgAEvhE-?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Ammi]

A supermarket in Wales, with non-essentials being covered up with Dexter plastic wrap.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElA3pyVXgAEvhE-?format=jpg&name=900x900

...that looks as though it could he bedding/warm blankets being covered up in the winter ...crazy...

[Kizzy]

I get it. They only want people going in the supermarket if shopping for food, it's not hard. They don't want anyone popping in for homeware, as said they can order those things online if that desperate.

[Tom4784]

Speaking as someone who worked in a shop that was considered essential when everything was locked down, this is an excellent idea and I support it fully. We were considered essential because we sold certain essential items but during the lockdown we were constantly selling out on decorating and gardening items as well as other pointless fluff. People were coming out to the shops for no good reason.

Non-essential areas should be roped off in times of lockdown.

[user104658]

Yeah who needs duvets, we can huddle together for warmth! Or skin a mammoth if it comes down to it.

Utterly ridiculous. I get it for some items but some of their definition of non-essential is ****ing stupid. Clothes, bedding and many non-food home items are clearly essentials if what you have gets unexpectedly broken or damaged.

[Cherie]

Amazon will be delighted

[Ammi]

Yeah who needs duvets, we can huddle together for warmth! Or skin a mammoth if it comes down to it.

Utterly ridiculous. I get it for some items but some of their definition of non-essential is ****ing stupid. Clothes, bedding and many non-food home items are clearly essentials if what you have gets unexpectedly broken or damaged.

...yeah, these are exactly my thoughts...it’s how essential and non essential are defined...a warmer duvet or blanket for an elderly person or for anyone who hasn’t got efficient heating etc...could be an essential purchase...

[user104658]

...yeah, these are exactly my thoughts...it’s how essential and non essential are defined...a warmer duvet or blanket for an elderly person or for anyone who hasn’t got efficient heating etc...could be an essential purchase...When you own a 1 year old labrador who might eat literally anything and literally any time, a lot of things become immediate essentials, and you can't always wait a few days for an Internet order. E.g. There are MULTIPLE occasions that I've had to pile a kid into the car in their socks to swing past a supermarket for a new pair of trainers, while the dog sulks and digests the previous pair.

She hadn't torn up a duvet yet but... It's certainly within the realms of possibility.

[Cherie]

When you own a 1 year old labrador who might eat literally anything and literally any time, a lot of things become immediate essentials, and you can't always wait a few days for an Internet order. E.g. There are MULTIPLE occasions that I've had to pile a kid into the car in their socks to swing past a supermarket for a new pair of trainers, while the dog sulks and digests the previous pair.

She hadn't torn up a duvet yet but... It's certainly within the realms of possibility.

Kids with just one pair of shoes, what is this the 1970s :omgno:

Surely you have school shoes, trainers, good shoes and wellys :suspect:

[user104658]

Kids with just one pair of shoes, what is this the 1970s :omgno:



Surely you have school shoes, trainers, good shoes and wellys :suspect:

School shoes are for school :nono:, we were waiting for her new boots from Next :hee: and she, for some reason, about 2 months ago decided that she despises wellies.

She does have a spare pair of trainers now though :joker:.

Actually I say she does. She DID. Because another ****ing shoe got chewed on Wednesday! They got dirty so they were sat in the kitchen (where the dog lives when we go out) and we stupidly went for a Starbucks drive through and she had got one of them :fist:.

She had also gotten into the recycling bin.

I need to make her some sort of padded cell.

[The Slim Reaper]

Kids with just one pair of shoes, what is this the 1970s :omgno:

Surely you have school shoes, trainers, good shoes and wellys :suspect:

Wait till the ghost of Christmas future arrives at soldiers house on Christmas eve.

[user104658]

Wait till the ghost of Christmas future arrives at soldiers house on Christmas eve.Christmas 2020 is CANCELLED so I'll dodge that bullet.

[Ammi]

...I have known many, many children with only one pair of shoes and not even Wellington boots to fit them, schools have provided those when needed...there are many families who have very low incomes...

[Parmy]

Is Anne summers open?

[Cherie]

School shoes are for school :nono:, we were waiting for her new boots from Next :hee: and she, for some reason, about 2 months ago decided that she despises wellies.

She does have a spare pair of trainers now though :joker:.

Actually I say she does. She DID. Because another ****ing shoe got chewed on Wednesday! They got dirty so they were sat in the kitchen (where the dog lives when we go out) and we stupidly went for a Starbucks drive through and she had got one of them :fist:.

She had also gotten into the recycling bin.

I need to make her some sort of padded cell.


wait a few more years she will have a room full of the things :laugh:

[Cherie]

...I have known many, many children with only one pair of shoes and not even Wellington boots to fit them, schools have provided those when needed...there are many families who have very low incomes...

yes I am sure there are but TS has a good job and so does his wife? if he were on bennies I wouldn't have made the remark

[Kizzy]

yes I am sure there are but TS has a good job and so does his wife? if he were on bennies I wouldn't have made the remark

Ah right so it's OK to scoff at poor people with other better off people?...got it.

[Cherie]

Ah right so it's OK to scoff at poor people with other better off people?...got it.

You know that was not the intention so bore off and bait someone else

[Kizzy]

You know that was not the intention so bore off and bait someone else

Sounded just like that to me, I didn't get an apology when you misinterpreted me so don't hold your breath.

[Cherie]

Trust me an apology is the last thing I was expecting :joker:

[Amy Jade]

Speaking as someone who worked in a shop that was considered essential when everything was locked down, this is an excellent idea and I support it fully. We were considered essential because we sold certain essential items but during the lockdown we were constantly selling out on decorating and gardening items as well as other pointless fluff. People were coming out to the shops for no good reason.

Non-essential areas should be roped off in times of lockdown.

I no longer work in retail but a few friends do and they said the same, it was meant to be essential shopping and the customers were in buying crap. Time to enforce this to stop the selfish people who refuse to comply.

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/qUvLUwTtcGzhHxJq2BHNuQ/https/media.fyre.co/l47OhwH7Tz6q9PfGghMR_Daily%20Mail%20front%202410.J PG

[reece(:]

Who is defining what is an essential item? Also, where is the science behind this? Not behind this move at all I'm afraid.

[LaLaLand]

"Essential items" are totally subjective, especially if you're working from home/self-employed.

For example - I do freelance portrait commissions and have a few family and pet portrait deadlines coming up in the next few weeks in time for Christmas, so for me, essential items are pencils, paper, frames etc.

These items are deemed completely non-essential by the government and are (literally) being cordoned off in the shops. I understand that it's a way to stop browsing temptation and for people to just "get in and get out" as quickly as possible and I could order supplies online etc etc, but come on...

[Ammi]

...yeah, it’s the lack of thought and also the lack of considerations in determining essential/non essential, LaLa...well there doesn’t appear to be any considerations, it just seems to be a ‘blanket’ thing, so absent from any considerations...for you, writing materials are your income and an income is an essential...?..there are some people with communication difficulties who would have a reliance on writing materials also...in her early times of Alzheimer’s, writing different things down as memory aids and communication forms etc was essential to my mum, I know these things can be purchased in other ways but not everyone is so comfortable purchasing online and doesn’t always have easy access to do so either...the obvious thing would be, in areas where ‘non essential’ retail are being closed down for a period, then the community is given consideration in what their needs may be and envelopes that in the essentials..children/baby clothes and warm bedding for instance being non essential...but alcohol being essential...?...I’m not suggesting that the alcohol not be ‘essential’, just that it seems like a very narrow window and judgement being made which doesn’t accommodate a community with their essentials at all....

[Cherie]

Birthday cards non essential? Good luck to anyone celebrating over the next 17 days then

Moonpig will be busy

So instead of saving the high street these extreme measures will drive even more people online

[bots]

The very real danger is that after this 2 weeks, the numbers wont have gone down at all (which i'm fully expecting to be the case) and that it will make the population more restriction averse. It could conceivably end up a massive backfire

[arista]

[Lidl closed off all their 'non-essential' aisles in Porthmadog,
well before the 6pm deadline
with the ban set to last for the duration of the 17-day 'fire break' lockdown]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/23/21/34760058-8873731-Lidl_closed_off_all_their_non_essential_aisles_in_ Porthmadog_wel-a-46_1603483815906.jpg

[Ammi]

...Toblerone...:laugh:...


...’..it’s not fair, Galaxy got to stay in their lane and we didn’t......’...

[arista]

[Pallets of stock block access to
non essential goods at
the Sainsburys store in Crindau,
Newport at the start of the firebreak lockdown]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/23/21/34763836-8873731-Pallets_of_stock_block_access_to_non_essential_goo ds_at_the_Sain-a-50_1603483815948.jpg

[arista]

A barrier was set up at a Tesco superstore in Swansea
today as supermarkets are told to stop selling non-essential goods
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/24/00/34761866-8873731-A_barrier_was_set_up_at_a_Tesco_superstore_in_Swan sea_today_as_s-a-17_1603495330203.jpg

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8873731/Focus-group-reveals-voters-despairing-coronavirus-lockdown-measures.html

[joeysteele]

I'm still of the view that if supermarkets are open.
Then they should be selling their range of goods.

It is daft, when you are able to shop online.
I personally don't like to do that.
Have done so in part to save going out so much during this pandemic.
However I still prefer to go round a store too.

I can't see the point of letting customers in a supermarket then closing off most of it to them.

Defining what's essential is different things to different people.
From need or personal angles.

Just make it simple.
If you're in a supermarket shopping for food, then pick up other things.
What's the issue.
They have to go through the checkouts anyway.

I just think this is an extremely petty action by the Welsh Labour governing body and I'd hope no other Nation of the UK brought it in.

The full lockdown from March, didn't have this restriction and things were improved, even as people were getting plants and garden equipment all through.

I'd guess they'd have been not essential under this rule.

No, if the supermarket is open then leave it selling its range across the board.

For older people particularly, I know many who can't, don't and won't shop online.
It's actually essential they have the freedom to get what they want/ need in the way they wish to.

A supermarket is just that, a larger market where you can get almost anything, then leave it so.
If you're letting it open anyway.
That's my view anyway

[bots]

if was a business that is categorised as non essential, the first thing i would do is stock at least something deemed essential and then open up

[Daniel-X]

Let people buy what they want, something ‘essential’ in one persons life might not be essential for the other. These are really tough times mentally for people, and stopping someone from buying something that’s ‘non-essential’ (why does this even bring the risk up if someone buys furniture or plants for example instead of clothing?) could be just another detrimental thing to someone’s mental well being.

Everyone needs to take a step back and stop ruling this like we’re in North Korea or something. The virus is here to stay, life needs to adapt.

[user104658]

Computer products are blocked off... With the country working from home. What happens if your mouse breaks? What happens if you spill coffee on your keyboard at 9am? Yes you can order online but it'll be at least one day and possibly 2+ for delivery... Being able to quickly pop to Tesco and buy a cheap temporary replacement is "essential", no?

[Cherie]

The very real danger is that after this 2 weeks, the numbers wont have gone down at all (which i'm fully expecting to be the case) and that it will make the population more restriction averse. It could conceivably end up a massive backfire

There is no exit strategy in place either so its quite possible the ‘17’ days could extend all in the name if ‘having as normal a Christmas’ as possible, Christmas will not be normal and time would be better spent educating people how to social distance in their day to day lives rather than offering false hope

[Dogeatdog]

[Lidl closed off all their 'non-essential' aisles in Porthmadog,
well before the 6pm deadline
with the ban set to last for the duration of the 17-day 'fire break' lockdown]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/23/21/34760058-8873731-Lidl_closed_off_all_their_non_essential_aisles_in_ Porthmadog_wel-a-46_1603483815906.jpg

Why do I feel sorry for that lil Toblerone?

[Nicky91]

Let people buy what they want, something ‘essential’ in one persons life might not be essential for the other. These are really tough times mentally for people, and stopping someone from buying something that’s ‘non-essential’ (why does this even bring the risk up if someone buys furniture or plants for example instead of clothing?) could be just another detrimental thing to someone’s mental well being.

Everyone needs to take a step back and stop ruling this like we’re in North Korea or something. The virus is here to stay, life needs to adapt.

No, wish we were like Asian countries, they can get numbers drastically down and we can't because we care too much about something silly as freedom or privacy

[Vanessa]

I do my food shopping online.
Never had any problems so far.

[arista]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElFMuUAX0AE4eZU?format=jpg&name=medium

[Parmy]

Supermarkets are heaving today..avoid.

[Kizzy]

"Essential items" are totally subjective, especially if you're working from home/self-employed.

For example - I do freelance portrait commissions and have a few family and pet portrait deadlines coming up in the next few weeks in time for Christmas, so for me, essential items are pencils, paper, frames etc.

These items are deemed completely non-essential by the government and are (literally) being cordoned off in the shops. I understand that it's a way to stop browsing temptation and for people to just "get in and get out" as quickly as possible and I could order supplies online etc etc, but come on...
Then do it, order online what's the problem? Since when did they sell professional grade artistry equipment at tesco anyway? Essential items means perishables and other essential items such as nappies and cleaning products.

[Kizzy]

Computer products are blocked off... With the country working from home. What happens if your mouse breaks? What happens if you spill coffee on your keyboard at 9am? Yes you can order online but it'll be at least one day and possibly 2+ for delivery... Being able to quickly pop to Tesco and buy a cheap temporary replacement is "essential", no?

Click and collect one with your smartphone?

[bots]

Shoppers in Wales have criticised government measures which mean "non-essential items" have been put behind metal barriers or covered with plastic sheeting in supermarkets.

Photos on social media show products such as pillows and bedsheets under a plastic covering at a Tesco store, while a photo from a Morrisons supermarket shows children's clothes behind a cordon.

One social media user has pointed how baby clothes have been deemed to be non-essential in a Tesco supermarket in Cardiff, while vodka is still available on the shelves in the same store.

A photo from a Tesco store in Pengam Green shows products including cups and plates behind metal barriers too.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-supermarkets-in-wales-keep-non-essential-items-behind-barriers-12112887

[Cherie]

Shoppers in Wales have criticised government measures which mean "non-essential items" have been put behind metal barriers or covered with plastic sheeting in supermarkets.

Photos on social media show products such as pillows and bedsheets under a plastic covering at a Tesco store, while a photo from a Morrisons supermarket shows children's clothes behind a cordon.

One social media user has pointed how baby clothes have been deemed to be non-essential in a Tesco supermarket in Cardiff, while vodka is still available on the shelves in the same store.

A photo from a Tesco store in Pengam Green shows products including cups and plates behind metal barriers too.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-supermarkets-in-wales-keep-non-essential-items-behind-barriers-12112887

I expect the vodka will be incarcerated next :laugh:

[user104658]

It's just plain stupid, some daft bugger has decided that "essentials" means "food" and that everything else is non-essential when that's clearly nonsense.

[joeysteele]

It's just plain stupid, some daft bugger has decided that "essentials" means "food" and that everything else is non-essential when that's clearly nonsense.

Yes, it is nonsense, I agree.

[Swan]

1319982570902331392

Moron

[arista]

Trouble Maker.

[bots]

that video is obviously staged

[Cherie]

its not the shops workers fault :shrug:

[arista]

its not the shops workers fault :shrug:


Yes they are doing what the Local Power
has demanded.
He should have gone to the Local Council Office.

[arista]

that video is obviously staged


Yes the way the other Mobile Phone person filmed it.
It was spoken about on tonight's Ch4HDnews
without showing the staged video

[Cherie]

Yes they are doing what the Local Power
has demanded.
He should have gone to the Local Council Office.

I hope that this doesn't kick off, when we locked down in March it was light, the weather was fairly decent, bit of novelty value intiially at least for people working from home, all that has evaporated now, it will be dark at 5 O'clock, nowhere to go and nothing to do, and now not even a litte mini browse in the supermarket to ease the boredom, add to that areas of low infection are locked down, its a bit of a worry in all honesty :worry:

[Kizzy]

Why is everyone so surprised? All this happened during the first lock down. Non essentials were not sold. If I were them I'd have just removed them from the shop floor for 2 weeks. Having them taped off is just fuelling the back lash.

[Kizzy]

It's really laughable that the same people that were bleating about people outdoors during the first lock down are now crying because they can't pop to sainsbury's for a cushion :/

[reece(:]

Those images are disgraceful.

WHERE. IS. THE. SCIENCE. TO. THIS?!

[Cherie]

It's really laughable that the same people that were bleating about people outdoors during the first lock down are now crying because they can't pop to sainsbury's for a cushion :/

there is a complete difference between MIXING with kids from other households playing football, and going ON YOUR OWN to a supermarket where you can social distance.

[Gabbys_MTV]

That's terrible omg.

[Cherie]

Why is everyone so surprised? All this happened during the first lock down. Non essentials were not sold. If I were them I'd have just removed them from the shop floor for 2 weeks. Having them taped off is just fuelling the back lash.

didnt happen in my area, you could buy what you liked, Easter eggs and all

[Dogeatdog]

People will go to the shops regardless if certain items are taped off from buying and whether they actually need essential items or not since it’s a day out and they’re bored. It happened throughout the first lockdown.

[user104658]

Why is everyone so surprised? All this happened during the first lock down. Non essentials were not sold. If I were them I'd have just removed them from the shop floor for 2 weeks. Having them taped off is just fuelling the back lash.Not here. The "upstairs area" of Tesco (clothes and tech) had a staff member on the escalators but that was to impose a "five person maximum" one-in-one-out system and you had to say what you were going up for, I assume to lessen people just going up to browse for ages. But you could still buy any item. Also a lot of this sort of stuff (cards and stationery, bed linen etc) is downstairs and none of that was ever blocked.

[Kizzy]

there is a complete difference between MIXING with other kids playing football, and going ON YOUR OWN to a supermarket where you can social distance.

Right... so it's wrong to mill about with strangers/ neighbours outside during a lock down but inside a supermarket it's fine? .. OK.

Iirc there was restrictions on many items supermarkets sold in spring, there was no cookware or make up, I'm sure other items were removed too to make way for more essential items.

[Jake.]

I think that we were told that we should only be shopping for essentials (back in March) but you could still buy everything in the supermarkets / whatever shops were open at the time

It feels like a lifetime ago :laugh:

[Cherie]

Right... so it's wrong to mill about with strangers/ neighbours outside during a lock down but inside a supermarket it's fine? .. OK.

Iirc there was restrictions on many items supermarkets sold in spring, there was no cookware or make up, I'm sure other items were removed too to make way for more essential items.

what are you not getting, playing football you can be physically in contact with other kids especially if they are friends, even when outside you have to socially distance, being outside does not allow you to circumvent social distancing, not sure what you get up to in Morrybobs but getting up close and personal with fellow shoppers is not for most

if you check Dezzy's and Amys posts their areas didnt restrict either, maybe Leeds was different

[bots]

The reason for not selling non essential items is because other shops forced to close complained about losing business, nothing related to infection rates. While understandable it's completely pointless with items being available on line. No one minds sensible restrictions but more and more restrictions have no effect on the infection rate, and it makes people more likely to ignore the restrictions that really matter

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

I’m not being funny but if argos shuts i’m gonna riot

[Kizzy]

Essentials only

Shopping is no longer a leisure activity.

Instead, visits to a store - which you're only supposed to make to pick up essentials - will be carefully regulated.

The rules are as much to protect store workers as shoppers.




https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/business-52022240

[Kizzy]

what are you not getting, playing football you can be physically in contact with other kids especially if they are friends, even when outside you have to socially distance, being outside does not allow you to circumvent social distancing, not sure what you get up to in Morrybobs but getting up close and personal with fellow shoppers is not for most

if you check Dezzy's and Amys posts their areas didnt restrict either, maybe Leeds was different

What are you not getting? ... I'm not the one confused by the term 'essential items'.

Maybe Leeds was different maybe we took it more seriously? it sure sounds like it.

[Cherie]

What are you not getting? ... I'm not the one confused by the term 'essential items'.

Maybe Leeds was different maybe we took it more seriously? it sure sounds like it.

as others have said what is essential to one, is not essential to others, a birthday card can be an essential item no? not everyone especially in the older generation is ready for Moonpig

tbf if Leeds did take it more seriously where did it all go wrong, you are Tier 3 right?

[Kizzy]

as others have said what is essential to one, is not essential to others, a birthday card can be an essential item no? not everyone especially in the older generation is ready for Moonpig

tbf if Leeds did take it more seriously where did it all go wrong, you are Tier 3 right?

No birthday cards are not essential. And no Leeds is tier 2, you should pop in sometime, see how lock down should be done.

[MTVN]

Why is everyone so surprised? All this happened during the first lock down. Non essentials were not sold. If I were them I'd have just removed them from the shop floor for 2 weeks. Having them taped off is just fuelling the back lash.

Not true at all I'm afraid, there was none of this taping off sections anywhere - if you came under 'essential retailer' you were able to sell your whole range of products

[Cherie]

No birthday cards are not essential. And no Leeds is tier 2, you should pop in sometime, see how lock down should be done.

We are Tier 2 also so looks like taping off non essentials in Leeds made no difference to the eventual outcome of where you ended up

You can put all the restrictions in place you like but if the public don’t get on board or understand/or don’t care how the infection is spread they are pointless

[Cherie]

The decision is now under review

[arista]

Those images are disgraceful.

WHERE. IS. THE. SCIENCE. TO. THIS?!


They have Stated because only Food shops are open
all other shops have had to close,
so because big Supermarkets sell clothes
like the Stores they have Closed in
the 2 week Lockdown
it's only fair.

The Latest from Wales Gov., is they now doing a review
on all this.

[Amy Jade]

why are people worried about cards? get a bit of card or paper and make one if it's that important.

[bots]

people are telling the authorities what they will accept in terms of restrictions, and this is just an example of that, but it's happening in many applications.

The authorities cannot enforce something that the people don't want, after all, they are there to represent the people, and when the vast majority of people feel they have gone too far they either acknowledge it or risk anarchy. That's how democracy works

[MTVN]

Tesco have taped off things like clothes and books but they are still selling greetings cards and stationery. There's basically been no clear guidance about what's essential and what isn't so retailers are fumbling around in the dark a bit and just taking their lead from each other

[Kate!]

Am fuming about all this. I love to get a good book for example when I go to the supermarket. Its ridiculous. You are there in the store. What difference does it make what you buy? Ffs.

[Cherie]

Am fuming about all this. I love to get a good book for example when I go to the supermarket. Its ridiculous. You are there in the store. What difference does it make what you buy? Ffs.

It’s only happening in Wales Kate as they are in full lockdown

[Kate!]

It’s only happening in Wales Kate as they are in full lockdown

Oh I see Cherie. Well in principle it's still ridiculous. Poor people of Wales. X

[user104658]

Tesco have taped off things like clothes and books but they are still selling greetings cards and stationery. There's basically been no clear guidance about what's essential and what isn't so retailers are fumbling around in the dark a bit and just taking their lead from each otherThe first time round there ended up being arguments over ludicrous things like whether the confectionery aisle should be closed off, because "chocolate is non essential" :facepalm:.

Honestly, they should just open up a big vat of protein & vitamin fortified oat gruel in the car park and hand out bowls because if you keep chipping away at it - nothing else is actually "essential". Fortified gruel and tap water for all.

[Kizzy]

Not true at all I'm afraid, there was none of this taping off sections anywhere - if you came under 'essential retailer' you were able to sell your whole range of products

Are you calling me a liar?.. I can assure you that during the national lock down there were 2 supermarkets I shop in that restricted what was shopped for. In tesco the make up stands were shuttered off and in Morrisons they removed the tupperware and cookware for more essential items.

[MTVN]

Are you calling me a liar?.. I can assure you that during the national lock down there were 2 supermarkets I shop in that restricted what was shopped for. In tesco the make up stands were shuttered off and in Morrisons they removed the tupperware and cookware for more essential items.

Some things might have been taken off sale if they were the types of items that a lot of people would touch or test out etc but there was no legal requirement preventing any essential retailer from selling any of their ranges

Removing some products to give more space to essential items would just be a commercial decision

[Kizzy]

We are Tier 2 also so looks like taping off non essentials in Leeds made no difference to the eventual outcome of where you ended up

You can put all the restrictions in place you like but if the public don’t get on board or understand/or don’t care how the infection is spread they are pointless
It may have been at the managers discretion who knows?

To be fair we are surrounded by Pendle, Lancashire, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley who are all tier 3 so we must be doing something right.

[Amy Jade]

Just been to asda and they have only blocked off the clothes, toys and entertainment stuff. Books and cards were still on sale.

I don't really get the DVD's and games beingoff sale personally because we buy them to keep us inside don't we?

[user104658]

Are you calling me a liar?.. I can assure you that during the national lock down there were 2 supermarkets I shop in that restricted what was shopped for. In tesco the make up stands were shuttered off and in Morrisons they removed the tupperware and cookware for more essential items.Your local supermarkets might have decided to be dumb off their own back, but that's doesn't mean there was any national mandate for supermarkets to stop selling essentials... Just a little cluster of overzealous local managers in your area (probably taking cues from each other).

I can assure you that you could still buy socks at 99% of UK supermarkets back in April.

[user104658]

I don't really get the DVD's and games beingoff sale personally because we buy them to keep us inside don't we?

It really is just pushing more and more traffic in an online direction... More people will use Netflix/Prime for movies, PlayStation Store/Steam for game purchases, and physical items will come from Amazon etc.

The way things are going, physical retail will end up being for purely food/basic household items like cleaning products, bin bags and laundry detergent and ALL other retail will move online.

I suppose things have been heading that way for a few years anyway but this will massively speed it up.

[Kizzy]

Some things might have been taken off sale if they were the types of items that a lot of people would touch or test out etc but there was no legal requirement preventing any essential retailer from selling any of their ranges

Removing some products to give more space to essential items would just be a commercial decision

Who said rhere was? I just said many will be used to having many things restricted like they wereally in spring..

[Parmy]

Shoplifting is easy these days...I'm tempted.

[Vanessa]

I usually go to Pundland and they sell everything as usual.

[Parmy]

I usually go to Pundland and they sell everything as usual.

We all need warm novelty slippers in the coming weeks, you are very wise vanessa.

[Vanessa]

At the moment I'm doing my food shopping online, so much easier this way.
I only go to shops for clothes/shoes.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I went to Punland to get my dog a new nose

He smelt terrible

[Parmy]

What happened his old one?

[Kizzy]

Your local supermarkets might have decided to be dumb off their own back, but that's doesn't mean there was any national mandate for supermarkets to stop selling essentials... Just a little cluster of overzealous local managers in your area (probably taking cues from each other).

I can assure you that you could still buy socks at 99% of UK supermarkets back in April.
Again, I didn't say it was a nationwide initiative. There were many supermarkets however not just in Leeds that were confused as to the rules and also police at that time. Leading to closures of sections of supermarkets, until the government stepped in to clarify all items could be sold.

That clarification hasn't happened here, so it follows that the rules have changed or are different in Wales. The circuit breaker is only for a few days, I'm sure people have spare socks till its over.

[bots]

they are already talking about scheduling another circuit breaker in Wales, lets see how long the public keep supporting it

[Kizzy]

How about instead of mocking the attempts of others to control the virus we examine our own piss poor effort?

[Cherie]

It’s not mocking efforts, its pointing out that the level of tolerance is shrinking particularly among those who are sticking to the rules, and still having to lockdown, so this extra draconian measure is chipping away at peoples already stretched goodwill to do the right thing

[bots]

We have a couple of months to go yet till Christmas with short days and people getting progressively more miserable. I think there will be a major push back against restrictions by the time we get to Christmas

[Kizzy]

Seems like it's the English bleating about this and the Welsh just getting on with it. It's 2 weeks... 14 days, lets keep some perspective.

[Cherie]

Tesco's have had to apologise for telling a woman that she could not purchase sanitary products during the fire break :skull: Toothpaste was also cordoned off lol

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/tesco-shoppers-banned-buying-tampons-19166146

[Cherie]

Seems like it's the English bleating about this and the Welsh just getting on with it. It's 2 weeks... 14 days, lets keep some perspective.

oh right so no one in Wales signed this, that makes perfect sense

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsmanchester/thousands-sign-petition-demanding-overturn-of-wales-supermarket-non-essential-food-ban/ar-BB1amoM5

[Mystic Mock]

It’s not mocking efforts, its pointing out that the level of tolerance is shrinking particularly among those who are sticking to the rules, and still having to lockdown, so this extra draconian measure is chipping away at peoples already stretched goodwill to do the right thing

This.

Besides how is buying clothes not essential?:laugh:

The Government is a constant walking, talking disaster.

[Kizzy]

It was a mistake, and has been clarified.

[bots]

i get that it's a short period of time, but even the shops that have had to close understand that people will just buy what they need online. So the local councils need to ask themselves if they want the money that people would have spent in local shops going to local residents or an international company like Amazon

[thesheriff443]

Tesco in Wales not selling sanatary products as they are not essential.

[arista]

Tesco in Wales not selling sanitary products as they are not essential.


Fury as Tesco in Wales bans sale of tampons

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8879441/Welsh-trolley-police-rules-descend-chaos.html

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/10/26/12/34849170-8879441-Tesco_told_a_shopper_called_Katie_that_the_items_c ould_not_be_so-a-45_1603714787736.jpg

[thesheriff443]

Absolutely ridiculous

[The Slim Reaper]

Tesco have deleted that tweet, because it's not true.

[Liam-]

Our government have told supermarkets to use their discretion, they haven’t been told what to sell or not

[Kizzy]

i get that it's a short period of time, but even the shops that have had to close understand that people will just buy what they need online. So the local councils need to ask themselves if they want the money that people would have spent in local shops going to local residents or an international company like Amazon

There is business support for those affected, this is a means to an end. Personally I think it's very fair that if the non essential shops have to close then the supermarkets (themselves faceless corporations) don't cash in.
Maybe these things can still be purchased with your online food shop or click and collect though if desperate . I'm aware not everyone has that facility however if they don't they won't be ordering from amazon either will they?

[user104658]

It was a mistake, and has been clarified.

Our government have told supermarkets to use their discretion, they haven’t been told what to sell or not

Well that's the point isn't it, when you hand out vague-as-**** "guidelines" that are clear as mud and expect a Supermarket manager whose qualifications amount to 3 GCSE's and 20 years in retail to make the final judgement call, mistakes are going to be made.

Clear guidance on what is or isn't to be sold, or allow the full product range of stores that are open. It should be relatively simple but it seems everyone wants to pass the buck when it comes to responsibility.

[Kizzy]

Well that's the point isn't it, when you hand out vague-as-**** "guidelines" that are clear as mud and expect a Supermarket manager whose qualifications amount to 3 GCSE's and 20 years in retail to make the final judgement call, mistakes are going to be made.

Clear guidance on what is or isn't to be sold, or allow the full product range of stores that are open. It should be relatively simple but it seems everyone wants to pass the buck when it comes to responsibility.

Here is an apology from tesco

Tesco spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: "Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores, including those in Wales. The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we’re very sorry for any confusion caused.”

I don't know how qualifications are relevant here, and if you have 20yrs experience in retail you'd think it would be in your nature to want to sell more, not less.

It was a mistake, they are made expecially during unforseen pandemics. I think we're being whipped up onto a frenzy about this Welsh lock down so there isn't a call for one here.
The knee jerk reaction is going to be no, regardless of whether or not it's needed.

[bots]

the welsh government have now told supermarkets to use their discretion .... carefully avoiding any responsibility

[Cherie]

the welsh government have now told supermarkets to use their discretion .... carefully avoiding any responsibility

looks like some don't think brushing your teeth is a twice daily ocurrence so this should be fun

[Kizzy]

looks like some don't think brushing your teeth is a twice daily ocurrence so this should be fun

Eh. where did toothpaste come into this?

[user104658]

Here is an apology from tesco

Tesco spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: "Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores, including those in Wales. The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we’re very sorry for any confusion caused.”

I don't know how qualifications are relevant here, and if you have 20yrs experience in retail you'd think it would be in your nature to want to sell more, not less.

It was a mistake, they are made expecially during unforseen pandemics. I think we're being whipped up onto a frenzy about this Welsh lock down so there isn't a call for one here.
The knee jerk reaction is going to be no, regardless of whether or not it's needed.

Yes it was a mistake, as I said with mistakes being inevitable when everyone is passing the buck and refusing to give clear, simple guidance and leaving the decision down to people who are not qualified to make such decisions, and based on absolutely nothing other than gut feeling. There is no science at all behind this.

And qualifications of course are absolutely relevant here. A supermarket management team, you may expect, will have vast experience in staff management, stock ordering, budgeting, security concerns, cleanliness and hygiene, store layouts... all sorts of things that are relevant to their job.

They have no relevant knowledge or experience whatsoever in making executive decisions about which products should or shouldn't be considered essential purchases. You might as well ask the next person you pass in the street. The scope for subjectivity is so massive that it just becomes ridiculous, and that is evident from the number of "mistakes" that have been made already.

Again; there needs to be clear, simple, cohesive guidance on which aisles should be closed coming from the people calling for closures (in this case, the Welsh government) OR shops should simply continue to sell their whole range whilst encouraging customers not to "window shop".

[Cherie]

Eh. where did toothpaste come into this?

some health and beauty aisles were condoned off which included sanitary products and toothpaste its in one of the links

[bots]

Yes it was a mistake, as I said with mistakes being inevitable when everyone is passing the buck and refusing to give clear, simple guidance and leaving the decision down to people who are not qualified to make such decisions, and based on absolutely nothing other than gut feeling. There is no science at all behind this.

And qualifications of course are absolutely relevant here. A supermarket management team, you may expect, will have vast experience in staff management, stock ordering, budgeting, security concerns, cleanliness and hygiene, store layouts... all sorts of things that are relevant to their job.

They have no relevant knowledge or experience whatsoever in making executive decisions about which products should or shouldn't be considered essential purchases. You might as well ask the next person you pass in the street. The scope for subjectivity is so massive that it just becomes ridiculous, and that is evident from the number of "mistakes" that have been made already.

Again; there needs to be clear, simple, cohesive guidance on which aisles should be closed coming from the people calling for closures (in this case, the Welsh government) OR shops should simply continue to sell their whole range whilst encouraging customers not to "window shop".

the other side of it is why should a shopper have to justify a purchase to a shop worker.

I know people are looking to find fault in it now and that comes from the less than 100% commitment to the circuit break. If they repeat it again later in the year i can see there being a revolt

[Kizzy]

some health and beauty aisles were condoned off which included sanitary products and toothpaste its in one of the links

Yes that's already been clarified, the clarification is in the link you posted.

[Tom4784]

The welsh government seems to have been a little dumb in their approach to this.

It should have just been decorating stuff, shops that don't sell any essentials, beauty stuff etc. Sanitary products, basic clothing and stuff for repairs and such shouldn't be considered non-essential.

I think cutting off non-essential aisles is absolutely the right thing to do, but a lot of the stuff they're cutting off are essentials.

[Kizzy]

Yes it was a mistake, as I said with mistakes being inevitable when everyone is passing the buck and refusing to give clear, simple guidance and leaving the decision down to people who are not qualified to make such decisions, and based on absolutely nothing other than gut feeling. There is no science at all behind this.

And qualifications of course are absolutely relevant here. A supermarket management team, you may expect, will have vast experience in staff management, stock ordering, budgeting, security concerns, cleanliness and hygiene, store layouts... all sorts of things that are relevant to their job.

They have no relevant knowledge or experience whatsoever in making executive decisions about which products should or shouldn't be considered essential purchases. You might as well ask the next person you pass in the street. The scope for subjectivity is so massive that it just becomes ridiculous, and that is evident from the number of "mistakes" that have been made already.

Again; there needs to be clear, simple, cohesive guidance on which aisles should be closed coming from the people calling for closures (in this case, the Welsh government) OR shops should simply continue to sell their whole range whilst encouraging customers not to "window shop".

Science..., which science tells you what items to sell during a lock down?

Again your reference to qualifications makes no sense in the context of the topic covid essential items. You appear to have contradicted your earlier '3 GCSE' comments by now admitting that managers are indeed intelligent to be able to run stores effectively.

Yes there have been one or two errors but we are in unchartered territory here, I think there's a review today so maybe later they'll be greater transparency on what is and isn't available?

[Kizzy]

the other side of it is why should a shopper have to justify a purchase to a shop worker.

I know people are looking to find fault in it now and that comes from the less than 100% commitment to the circuit break. If they repeat it again later in the year i can see there being a revolt

You aren't having to justify anything to a shop worker... if the item you need isn't available to purchase the onus is not on them to explain why you can't have it.
They didn't make the rule neither did the company they're employed by. It's a government initiative.

[user104658]

Science..., which science tells you what items to sell during a lock down?

Yes, you're getting it now Kizzy!

Again your reference to qualifications makes no sense in the context of the topic covid essential items. You appear to have contradicted your earlier '3 GCSE' comments by now admitting that managers are indeed intelligent to be able to run stores effectively.

Intelligence doesn't really factor into it - my point then and now was that they have the education, qualifications and training required to run a supermarket under normal circumstances and thus, when it comes to closing off aisles based on what is and isn't an essential purchase, they're playing guessing games - evident from the multiple mistakes made and the discrepancies store-to-store.

[Kizzy]

Yes, you're getting it now Kizzy!



Intelligence doesn't really factor into it - my point then and now was that they have the education, qualifications and training required to run a supermarket under normal circumstances and thus, when it comes to closing off aisles based on what is and isn't an essential purchase, they're playing guessing games - evident from the multiple mistakes made and the discrepancies store-to-store.

Again this is an unforseen pandemic, why should anyone be hauled over the coals for making one or two mistakes?...it's unprecidented that's why there's not been a very joined up approach to this circuit breaker by either the Welsh govt or supermarkets.

It's 17 days, then everyone will have to find something else to whinge about.

[Cherie]

You would think a female staff would have pointed out the folly

[Cherie]

Again this is an unforseen pandemic, why should anyone be hauled over the coals for making one or two mistakes?...it's unprecidented that's why there's not been a very joined up approach to this circuit breaker by either the Welsh govt or supermarkets.

It's 17 days, then everyone will have to find something else to whinge about.

What if the infection numbers haven’t dropped sufficiently in 17 days?

[Cherie]

Eh. where did toothpaste come into this?

Yes that's already been clarified, the clarification is in the link you posted.

Have you forgotton you asked the question :shrug:

[user104658]

Again this is an unforseen pandemic, why should anyone be hauled over the coals for making one or two mistakes?...it's unprecidented that's why there's not been a very joined up approach to this circuit breaker by either the Welsh govt or supermarkets.



It's 17 days, then everyone will have to find something else to whinge about."unprecedented times" shouldn't translate to "making it up as we go along" and these blunders are going to end up leading to increasing frustration, disillusionment and fatigue which will ultimately lead to fewer and fewer people bothering to stick with any of the guidelines at all. It's not a "might as well give it a shot, can't do any harm" situation. It's doing a tonne of harm.

[Kizzy]

Have you forgotton you asked the question :shrug:

I didn't ask a question about toiletries, the answer is in your link the govt stated supermarket's can sell whatever pharmacies do.

[Tom4784]

It should all be common sense, really. If you go into, say, Tesco. You'd probably cut off the decorating stuff, garden stuff (as in furniture, flowers etc, not stuff for repairs of fences or whatever), Christmas and Halloween stuff, etc.

People should only really be going out to get essentials they need in the moment. Anything else can be ordered online.

[Kizzy]

"unprecedented times" shouldn't translate to "making it up as we go along" and these blunders are going to end up leading to increasing frustration, disillusionment and fatigue which will ultimately lead to fewer and fewer people bothering to stick with any of the guidelines at all. It's not a "might as well give it a shot, can't do any harm" situation. It's doing a tonne of harm.

What should it translate as then... I'm sorry if the response hasn't been as seemless as you'd have liked, has it anywhere?

There have been errors, delays and turns costing billions and thousands of lives, get some perspective.

[bots]

the elephant in the room is that the reason wales needed the circuit break was because people were not social distancing. Most had already had pretty strict restrictions on them for months to no avail.

People are not going to social distance more with additional restrictions, they are going to get more pissed off, and i'm sure the figures will reflect that at the end of the circuit break

[Kizzy]

What if the infection numbers haven’t dropped sufficiently in 17 days?

Then it won't have worked... obviously. The fact is they are trying to save lives. Why that's seen as a bad thing I don't know.
It's based on science however, and we all know everyone loves that.

[Liam-]

the elephant in the room is that the reason wales needed the circuit break was because people were not social distancing. Most had already had pretty strict restrictions on them for months to no avail.

People are not going to social distance more with additional restrictions, they are going to get more pissed off, and i'm sure the figures will reflect that at the end of the circuit break

A lot of sweeping statements there

[Kizzy]

the elephant in the room is that the reason wales needed the circuit break was because people were not social distancing. Most had already had pretty strict restrictions on them for months to no avail.

People are not going to social distance more with additional restrictions, they are going to get more pissed off, and i'm sure the figures will reflect that at the end of the circuit break
Oh here we go.. it's their fault in the first place blah bloody blah.... pfft!

Not what id I'll will anyone but when the SE and the SW lock down I'm going to revisit this post to ask what you did wrong.

[bots]

A lot of sweeping statements there

not really, if people had been social distancing, the infection rate wouldn't be so high. Restrictions have been severe in wales for a while, another fact ... and we will know in a week or so if i am correct in the numbers ....


So, all in all, not much sweeping at all

[user104658]

What should it translate as then...

Clear, reasonable guidance that would apply in all supermarkets coming from a central source (the Welsh govt.)

The only reason it isn't is that no one wants the buck to stop with them.

[Cherie]

Then it won't have worked... obviously. The fact is they are trying to save lives. Why that's seen as a bad thing I don't know.
It's based on science however, and we all know everyone loves that.

If infection hasn’t dropped they will extend lockdown is my point, so 17 days could turn into any number