Here at Mumbler, the LAST thing we want to do is spread panic. So we’ve tried to explain Boris Johnson’s statement as easily as we can, while also sharing lots of practical advice and ideas for what you can do at home.

Boris Johnson has this evening set out the next steps in the UK’s fight against coronavirus – building on the controversial new slogan ‘Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives’.

He set out a three-step plan.

We’ve got a whole section dedicated to helping local parents and kids get through lockdown including free educational resources and online classes and groups – click here. 

⭐️Step 1 – the Government is actively encouraging those who can’t work from home, to go back to work tomorrow – he mentioned those who work in the construction industry for example.  He did, however, say they should avoid using public transport if they can – drive to work or, even better, walk or go by bike.

From Wednesday we can all take more, even unlimited, exercise. We can drive to other destinations and play sports (with members of our own household). The Prime Minister did, however, stress that there will be an increase in fines for the small minority of people who break the rules.

⭐️Step 2 – at the earliest by 1 June (after half term) the Government intends to introduce a phased reopening of shops and primary schools.  The first to go back will be Reception,  Year 1 and Year 6. Secondary pupils taking exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the end of the school year.  How this will be managed with the ongoing social distancing measures remains to be seen.

Step 3 – at the earliest by July – the Government hopes to reopen at least some of the hospitality industry as long as they’re safe and enforce social distancing.

The Prime Minister stated that the Government will impose quarantine of people coming to the UK by air and stressed that if there are more outbreaks they will not hesitate to put on the breaks.  In his words, ‘coming down the mountain is often more dangerous’.

What are your thoughts on the Government’s approach?  Let us know over on the Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler Facebook Chat Group. 

What if you are quarantined? How can you prepare without panic buying?

Easy things you can do now:

• Double the recipe for dinner and freeze half. You can bulk things out with tins of lentils or pulses, using breadcrumbs when making meatballs, etc. They’ll be easy to pull out later if you are feeling ill or can’t get to the shops.
• Put aside a few craft supplies. Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, The Works and others sell lots of cheap bits and bobs and a new pack of pencil crayons, sticker book, colouring books or plasticine can buy you a few hours of quiet if everyone’s getting restless. Poundland had some great science kits in earlier today!
• Borrow some books/DVDs from the library. Or if you haven’t used the World Book Week tokens, exchange them soon.
• Download some audiobooks. You can loan them from the library and books are automatically returned so you don’t have to worry about taking them back or fines.

Easy things to do if you are quarantined: 

We’ve shared lots of easy activities in the past, such as things to do with kids when you are shattered, and fun at home on a rainy day (we tried the fluffy painting and it made LOADS and kept everyone entertained for ages). This British Science Week blog has some easy experiments to try and ways to use up your Mother’s Day (or any!) flowers includes making playdough, perfume and clothes for fairies! Here is a free child’s embroidery pattern if your child is interested in sewing.

A friend (she lives abroad) whose children are already quarantined gave me this advice:

“My big kids are six and four and the thing that is helping them the most is allowing freedom they don’t normally get at school. Yesterday I gave them a ton of random craft supplies and (clean) trash and said, do whatever you want. They had a BLAST for hours. Today I’m probably going to give them a roll of aluminum foil and tell them to call me when they are hungry. 😂 It’s nothing fancy but at school everything is so structured so being able to do whatever they want in a controlled way is helping them feel less stuck and me get some sanity breaks.”

Other tips to try:

• Keep a positive attitude as much as you can and try and keep some kind of routine (easier said than done!). Remember, this too shall pass and there’s always Skype, Facetime, Whatsapp and other virtual ways of keeping in touch with others.
• Exercise regularly (adults and kids), either in your garden or with a DVD at home. Yoga is a favourite in our house and Cosmic Kids’ YouTube channel is great for 20 minutes or so. There are lots of ideas for kids’ exercise circuits online, incorporating ideas such as bear crawls, star jumps, etc. And then there is always Joe Wicks to start your day!
• Quarantine might even provide the perfect opportunity to potty train, since you will be at home for a prolonged period of time.
• Now might be the perfect time to teach a new skill to your little ones. Tying their laces? Learning how to knit?
• If you have a garden, print off a scavenger hunt – there are lots of free ones online.
• Look after your neighbours. If you’ve got elderly neighbours close by, they may be concerned about going out. Drop a note through their letterbox offering to pop to the shops for them or simply to let them know that you’re there.

We hope that helps and that everyone stays healthy! If you have more ideas to share, do let us know in the Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler Chat Group.