mattwnz:

 

If someone has the flu, shouldn't they be self isolating anyway normally? I think that is also currently the advice, that anyone sick should be at home. We also don't want to be spreading colds and flu at a time like this, as that just adds to the problem IMO. 

 

People who have the flu still need to eat and have medical supplies. If they don't have family or friends to help, they may have to do a quick trip to the shops to keep supplies going.

In anticipation of having to self isolate, lots of people are registering with supermarkets etc to have their supplies delivered. Countdown is apparently experiencing heavy demand for this and it pays to order at least 2 or 3 days ahead of when you want your groceries delivered.

New World has sent an email to customers, part of which reads as follows:

"We remind you to please shop as you normally would. Our online shopping services are under increasing demand and we are doing everything we can to meet your grocery needs. Whilst in store you may see some limits on lines of products - this is to ensure that there is enough for everyone. 

We're grateful for your cooperation and will keep you informed if the situation changes. We recognise that these are unsettling times, and we want you to know that the safety of our customers and staff are our priority. 

As you can appreciate we are currently receiving unprecedented high volumes of calls and emails from our customers so we ask that you please refrain from contacting us unless it's urgent - thanks for your patience and understanding."

Ouch, please refrain from contacting us, I never expected to see this from New World! So, this all goes to show that a gradual build-up of groceries is a good idea because if you follow what's going on overseas, even many of the basics are now hard to buy.

Now that our infected count has jumped to 20, people I know are starting to increasingly be more cautious and not going to a lot of places and activities that they are used to doing. Watch what's happening in England, for example, for a guide of what's likely to happen here.