Level 3

Today we changed from a Level 4 lockdown to Level 3. According to the government, we’re allowed to slightly expand our bubble, go to work if we can do it safely and without face-to-face customer interaction, order takeout if we can do it contactless-ly, drive short distances to enjoy walks and beaches, and go shopping online. In other words, it is a lot like an American-style lockdown.

And what was everyone excited about? Food! I woke up to stories about long lines at McDonald’s and very little social distancing as people enjoyed Egg McMuffins and the like. Later in the day, I went to my local coffee shop to pick up a to-go order I placed on Sunday. I couldn’t wait for a cappuccino and croissant! I placed my order for an 8:30 pick up, and when I arrived, it was madness. There were people standing, waiting, and milling about. There was no social distancing, and I was the ONLY customer wearing a mask. I was absolutely floored at how poorly executed this was. It was so bad that I overheard a policewoman (who admittedly was picking up her own coffee) talking to the man manning the improvised take-out barrel that they needed to figure out some way to encourage social distancing. Speaking of that man? He had a mask, but it was dangling by his chin.

The wait for pickups was about 45 minutes behind schedule, and people were getting frustrated and leaving. I think they’ll work out the kinks in a few days, but it was a rather anti-climactic return to the coffee shop. Once I got my cappuccino, chai, two fluffies for the kids, and an assortment of pastries, I headed home. As soon as I got inside, I poured everything into our mugs, disposed of the to-go containers, and wiped everything down. However, I’m pretty sure I’m the only person who did that. Many people were leaving the shop sipping on their disposable cups. Perhaps I’ve been reading too many how-to-eat-take-out-safely guides from the US, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

I seriously hope there’s no coronavirus out in the community and people will be just fine, but it seems like while we’re still in Level 3 and supposed to be social distancing, staying in our bubble, and washing our hands constantly, we should be treating every outing like it might be a risk for the virus. Meanwhile, the government is posting different versions of the same message about what is and isn’t allowed in Level 3:

I contemplated ordering take out for our dinner Tuesday night, but after the coffee fiasco, I decided to wait before ordering something that was time-sensitive. I’m glad I made that decision. There were lots of stories about people waiting for an hour or an hour and a half for orders. At one Burger Fuel (a popular chain) the police were called because people weren’t observing social distancing. While Kiwis have been really good about staying home, there seem to be problems now that we’ve been given a little bit more freedom. I’m hopeful by next weekend we’ll be able to order (and get!) some Chicken Tikka Marsala, maybe some sushi, and definitely some local Italian. And lots and lots of good coffee!