The Welsh government's directive that prevents our buying non-essential items in supermarkets is about as popular as a set of cross-ply tyres on the Evo Triangle. It's not just the 'Moaners' who've kicked off, the 'Fans' have, too. Such is the bear pit of social media.
The decision's certainly divisive. But let's just remember why we're here. We locked down on Friday at 6 p.m. for a reason. This was to try to control the spread of a virus so deadly and so pernicious even if you recover from it there is the prospect of longer-term health implications. And the lockdown is also trying to prevent hospitals filling up. We're asked to stay at home. Going shopping means contact and contact represents a hazard. That's why we are told to do so for essential items only and to minimise journeys. If we decide to spend more time in shops or make several trips just to browse non-essentials, we put ourselves and our families more at risk. We need to reduce not increase the amount of contact we have.
Yesterday, apart from a halfhearted notice on its door to refrain from buying non-essential items, it was clear that B & M were taking no notice of the Welsh government's position. Unlike Tesco, where they had blocked off one aisle and covered other areas, it was a free-for-all in B & M. About a third of B & M's products are non-essential.
We don't need more reasons to leave home. The message to stay at home's being diluted by the spat over supermarkets.
Not only that, we're a town of small shops, most of which are forced to close completely because of the edict. We could buy non-essential stuff in Tesco but shouldn't we consider the weak position of our independent traders, as well? Shouldn't there be parity? It will be interesting to see how Aldi treats its infamous/famous middle aisle when it opens in the midst of lockdown on Thursday.
We know already that town traders are nervous about that middle aisle.
Not that Tesco has that much in the 'non-essential' category. The Co-op has even less. Those tempted to trundle over to Chester to get a bigger choice also need to think twice: local means local and selfish trips of this nature also threaten to spread the virus.
It's also a fact that up to nine cases in Dinbych are traced back to contact at the Morrison's supermarket...