"President Conte signed the new declaration with further measures in relation to containment and management of the epidemiological emergency from Covid-19 throughout the country" (March 11th)
It ain't gonna happen (at least not yet) but just imagine an Italian-style lock-down. No shops open, save for those serving food or dispensing medicines. The town centre would be laid bare. In addition to the post office and our solitary bank, we'd have Tesco and Co-op, of course, and probably B & M (40 per cent of its floor space is devoted to food, increasing to 60 per cent if you include other grocery items such as cleaning products). Out-of-town McColl's (Porth y Dre Stores) and Duke Stores would be included.
Boot's the Chemist and the Well Street Pharmacy would continue.
There'd be the two remaining butchers, W & G Jones and Williams, of Well Street and Clwyd Street respectively.
The Eagle's Bakery would open, as would the out-of-town Bakehouse on the industrial estate.
Ruthin Wholefoods would also continue to trade.
And that would be it (with apologies if we've missed anyone). We're not sure about Castle Bell newsagent and the amount of food it now offers—would crisps, sweets & chocolate confectionery be classed as "food"?
Other than for Tesco, Co-op and B & M, there would be little point in coming to town. Technically, two of the three aren't actually *in* town, anyway. So, if we were in Italy, we reckon that of the 98 or so currently occupied units in the town centre, just nine would function. Always assuming that there was sufficient personnel available to staff them and adequate supplies to sell, of course…
Our world is slowly closing down. Another coupla nails in the coffin...
