Pandemic Policemen and Pastries

The police are out and about checking on people's movements during the lockdown. We have to have our form stating our reason for being out on us and ready to show to them when we encounter them in the streets. I was checked on my way to the supermarket at the big roundabout at Yzeures, Simon was checked near the war memorial when he was walking. It is a very low key and gentle process. The police officer doesn't want to get too near, nor take your permission form. They just want to be able to see it and confirm you are not infringing the rules.

The police officer who checked Simon was perfectly happy to have his photo taken.

As part of the new restrictions it was announced a couple of days ago that outdoor farmers markets would close. However, local mayors could request a derogation and in many small rural communities, including ours, they did. So in Preuilly the Thursday market will continue, with strict controls, but the Saturday market will be suspended.

'Due to Covid19 all public facilities are closed until further notice.'

It is weird going out for shopping. Hardly anybody about, everything very subdued. You would think anyone you met would be up for a long chat, having not seen other people outside their own household for days. But in fact conversation is desultry. There is no topic of conversation other than the lockdown and the virus, and no one wants to talk about either. After going to the market, the butcher and the baker, I trudged home again, having taken these photos and made supportive noises to the shopkeepers and producers.

The market in Preuilly with barriers and tape set up.

One person who is going to come out of all this as a local hero is Karim at the Episervice corner store. He is working so hard, keeping the stock on the shelves, collecting fresh produce from local farmers and delivering all over town to vulnerable people. He has employed a young woman to serve in the shop. The layout is cramped, so fruit and veg remains displayed on the street, but they are managing the best they can. A perspex barrier has been hung from the ceiling to divide the cashier from the customer. Fortunately the number of customers at any one time is so low that there is no need to control entries.

The pâtissier isn't going crazy making too much of a selection but it all still looks delicious.

The charcutier-traiteur has a full and tempting selection of ready to eat meals and delicacies.

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