Coronavirus: Lee-on-the-Solent business sets up free shopping delivery service for elderly people self-isolating

Solent Mobility Centre, in High Street, has teamed up with other businesses around the area to help keep people supplied with fresh food, fruit and vegetables during this difficult time of lockdown due to coronavirus.

When the government put out the announcement telling vulnerable people over the age of 70 to self-isolate for 12 weeks, the mobility firm decided to help and assist those who will struggle to collect essentials for daily living.

Ben Watts, one of the directors at Solent Mobility, said: ‘It’s our clientele who are really vulnerable, as we’re out and about doing our jobs anyway we’re quite happy to get anything needed if we can.

‘We already have measures in place to ensure our staff and customers are protected when working either delivering or demonstrating equipment in customers’ homes and care home settings.

‘In doing so, we have also listened to their worries and concerns over the coming weeks of how they will be able to get provisions especially with the current panic buying in the supermarkets.’

The free service will see customers get in touch with a list of items they need, and staff at the business will aim to get what they can from the shops and deliver it to homes.

The local businesses involved in the grocery’s delivery service include Cottage Loaf Bakery, Lee Fruit and Veg, N A Griffiths Butchers and The Wine Bank.

They are also working to contact local pharmacies to set up ways of collecting prescriptions for patients who are self-isolating, as well as being allowed into certain shops during the new ‘elderly hours’ to make sure they can get the items needed.

Ben added: ‘We’re a family-run business and we look after the community here anyway.

‘Our staff are fully behind us in our decision and want to help as many people as we can to make sure they are safe and comfortable for the period of isolation.’

To take up this grocery delivery service, contact the store on 023 9200 9999 or visit solentmobility.co.uk.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS