People In Wales Say Shopping Ban On Non-Essential Items Feels Like A 'Punishment'
People in Wales say a rule banning supermarkets from selling non-essential goods during the country’s 17-day “firebreak” lockdown is confusing – and could damage people’s mental health.
On Thursday, the nation’s first minister Mark Drakeford said the rule was a “simple matter of fair play” for hundreds of small businesses that have been forced to close under lockdown restrictions.
“We are looking to minimise the amount of time that people spend out of their homes during this two-week period,” he added.
“This is not the time to be browsing around supermarkets looking for non-essential goods.”
According to guidance published on Friday afternoon – just hours before the lockdown is set to begin – the list of “non-essential” supermarket aisles that must be closed off includes electrical goods, telephones and clothes.
Toys and games, products for the garden and homeware products also made the list.
A photo circulating on Twitter showed a supermarket shelf, seemingly stocked with bedding, being covered with plastic.
You absolute tool @WelshGovernment@tesco covering what YOU THINK are non essential items. So what happens if my child is sick or has an accident and I need to replace the quilt. #steptofar#lockdown#walespic.twitter.com/9gRtSN8w0P
— Danielle Jones (@sullydano1) October 23, 2020
But people living in Wales have slammed the new regulation as a “step too far”.
Carl Twinney, who lives in Bridgend, told HuffPost UK it felt as if the government was “punishing” people during lockdown.
“What’s more worrying to me is I think it’ll have a big effect on mental health,” the 27-year-old said. “Sometimes when you’re struggling to pass the time, you need things to help keep your brain active like DVDs, PlayStation or Xbox games or puzzles.
“Or maybe you just fancy treating yourself to help cope with low mood – treating yourself may sound silly but it counts as self care and that’s one of the most important...
