Helping Out.

Grocery run.

Our community has roughly about 1200 souls split over five villages, Eisenberg being one of them. Many are pensioners and have suddenly earned a new title; corona virus risk group and have been advised to stay home as much as possible even forgoing the treat of buying groceries at the local shop, which now that I think of it, doubles as VNN ( village news network ). Health comes first and that is where I come in.

When the announcement to ' shut down the country ' was made almost two weeks ago, our mayor set to work and organized a viable way for most to shop without facing the danger of being infected while grocery shopping. The good old fashioned phone, to phone in orders. One step away from the ubiquitous online shopping but when one considers that most don't have smartphones or computers, a very reliable method. Villagers can phone in their order until 12 pm and have it delivered from 3 pm on. From yours truly.

Payment is made either via electronic or bank transfers so that no cash has to be handled. For the last week or so I have been driving around our neighbourhoods handing out grocery boxes, dressed with a face guard ( couldn't find a mask ) and doctor's gloves. Everyone has watched enough television broadcast by the health department to obey their caution. When I ring the bell, I put the box outside their door, step two meters away and wait to see that they are home before driving off.

There is something comforting about delivering groceries. And it is nice to get the smiles and thanks from everyone. As the week has progressed I have found that everyone is getting more used to the new curfew and more relaxed in the process. The groceries ordered are getting more relaxed and appropriate as well...biscuits and treats are making many appearances in the grocery boxes.

Life has changed, people are changing and realizing that a nice bar of dark chocolate shared with a loved one is just as good as going out for dinner...if not better!

Biggi