Even before this evening's momentous though predictable proclamations, it was clear that County Hall was beginning to shut down.
So, for example, today was the last day for the division within the Education department supporting schools, dealing with admissions and aiding the modernising education agenda (i.e. new schools) as, from tomorrow, all the staff in that area of responsibility will begin working from home.
The Council's communications team has split up. They are now working at three locations rather than just at Rhuthun/Ruthin, to ensure business continuity. And all meetings involving councillors were cancelled from 2p.m. onwards today.
Any lunchtime fillip that shops could expect from Council staff and councillors is now evaporating fast.
One wonders what will happen when business as usual returns. Will there actually be a need for County Hall? Of course there will but it's likely that there will be fewer professionals working there, as staff realise they don't always need to be in, that staff who always thought they'd have to be in the office now recognise they can do so at home and senior managers offer more flexibility.
In addition to avoiding the office, we've been *advised* this evening not to go to pubs or restaurants for the unforeseeable future. This is as close to lock-down as we've seen and it threatens the fabric of our town, no matter the logical intentions.
Expect panic buying in supermarkets to become a frenzied, hysteria-filled stampede. With no sign of any sanitising hand gel for weeks now and with Ruthin Wholefoods closed for its usual Monday off, a trip to Dinbych's Holland & Barrett was called for, to buy the ingredients necessary for a homemade alternative. Aloe vera gel was in relatively short supply and I managed to scoop the last bottle of tea tree oil. There'd been a run on both, they said. Add almond oil and that little lot cost £29. Back home, a bottle of Morrison's Saver Vodka (usually for cooking purposes—honest) provided the alcohol. That'll make about 10 fl oz (a small bottle is about 2 fl oz) but it's much cheaper than buying the real stuff off Amazon—even if it's still available.
The Council's communications team has split up. They are now working at three locations rather than just at Rhuthun/Ruthin, to ensure business continuity. And all meetings involving councillors were cancelled from 2p.m. onwards today.
Any lunchtime fillip that shops could expect from Council staff and councillors is now evaporating fast.
One wonders what will happen when business as usual returns. Will there actually be a need for County Hall? Of course there will but it's likely that there will be fewer professionals working there, as staff realise they don't always need to be in, that staff who always thought they'd have to be in the office now recognise they can do so at home and senior managers offer more flexibility.
In addition to avoiding the office, we've been *advised* this evening not to go to pubs or restaurants for the unforeseeable future. This is as close to lock-down as we've seen and it threatens the fabric of our town, no matter the logical intentions.
"... limited to only two per customer... Sorry for any inconvenience"
Expect panic buying in supermarkets to become a frenzied, hysteria-filled stampede. With no sign of any sanitising hand gel for weeks now and with Ruthin Wholefoods closed for its usual Monday off, a trip to Dinbych's Holland & Barrett was called for, to buy the ingredients necessary for a homemade alternative. Aloe vera gel was in relatively short supply and I managed to scoop the last bottle of tea tree oil. There'd been a run on both, they said. Add almond oil and that little lot cost £29. Back home, a bottle of Morrison's Saver Vodka (usually for cooking purposes—honest) provided the alcohol. That'll make about 10 fl oz (a small bottle is about 2 fl oz) but it's much cheaper than buying the real stuff off Amazon—even if it's still available.
