For God’s sake, stop stockpiling – coronavirus should teach us to be less wasteful

In fact, asks Janet Street-Porter, why not bring back rationing?

Friday 06 March 2020 23:12 GMT
Comments
To prevent shortages, as workers and supply chains will inevitably be affected by this virus, we need some practical guidance in sensible stockpiling
To prevent shortages, as workers and supply chains will inevitably be affected by this virus, we need some practical guidance in sensible stockpiling

Off television duties for the next seven days, I’m in a remote bit of Norfolk, surrounded by mud and builders. Handwashing seems pointless when everything is encrusted with brown slime. My new (second-hand) car needed seat covers, but before I managed to order them, every surface has been covered in mud and dog hair. I think I’ll go for a deep clean, along with the car.

I am determined to Keep Calm and Carry On. You will not see me in Beccles wearing a gas mask or a bag over my head. Up to my arrival here earlier this week, I was travelling on public transport in central London, spurning a face mask, walking through crowded streets and shopping. Eating in restaurants, going to the cinema – my life continued as normal. But watching the news every night since leaving the city is infecting me with virus anxiety. It’s almost as bad as the real thing. My chances of getting infected are relatively small – even though I am over 70, I am super fit, not a senile shuffler. Along with my normal reading, I’ve added the Eastern Daily Press, anxiously scanning for outbreaks in the locality. Today got off to a good start with “no cases have been confirmed so far in Norfolk”. Hang out the flags!

Nevertheless, the C-word gradually implants itself in your brain. All this advice (online, in print, on TV and radio) about how to get through the impending plague is not helpful, it’s counterproductive. I know how to make my own hand sanitiser using cheap vodka and aloe vera gel. I can always stop recycling newspapers and use them as toilet paper when supplies can’t get through. I know I have to stand a metre away from anyone and wear gloves if I am handing out medals. But I want to continue working and getting on with life, not hiding behind closed doors.

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