Coronavirus – Marlow updates [updated 20-3-20]

Since we published our original article on Sun 15th March (see below), the following updates have occurred. We have already been contacted with others, so more to follow in due course.

UPDATES 20-3-20

Generally, many businesses have notices up referring to how they are coping – some shops are reducing hours, whilst food outlets are confirming their procedures. For example Oysters Fish and Chips in Marlow Bottom reiterate cleanliness, social distancing, minimal contact, and their aim to support those in the community who need it. (read full message here)

In addition:

• More BIG events cancelled
  • Marlow Regatta (read announcement)
  • Marlow May Fayre – the difficult decision by the Round Table was announced yesterday.
• Pubs have started to close
  • The Ship (read more) and Claytons (read more) were the first to announce closure on Wed 18th March
  • The Botanist announced on Thu 19th it has closed (read more)
  • The Oarsman announced today they will close from Mon 23rd March (read more)
• Some Restaurant and Cafe closures announced
  • The Ivy Marlow Garden (read more)
  • Cedar Cafe (read more)
• Barclays Bank – from Monday the 23rd March, the Marlow branch will open at 08.00-9.30 for elderly/ vulnerable customers and then 09.30-15.00 business as usual.
• Marlow Rugby club – offering up service of volunteer club member, plus their facilities for use by local support groups (read here)
• Further initiatives announced by local businesses to HELP US see this through – click images for full size article

UPDATES 18-3-20

• Sainsbury’s – Thu 19th March – first hour reserved for elderly and vulnerable customers (read more)
• More closures:
  • Liston Hall – building closed until at least 30th April (read more)
  • Marlow Museum – closed until further notice (read more)
  • Cinemas – Cineworld at the Eden Centre has closed, as was Wycombe 6 (Empire)
• British Legion – bar open, but events and entertainment postponed (read more)
• Sport, hockey and rugby clubs have now joined football in ceasing sporting activities, as we imagine have most team sports.
• Events Cancelled. We originally started listing these, but as you might expect, more or less any gathering of people is being impacted, so double check ANYTHING. Recently announced includes:
  • Pub in the Park dates pushed back
  • Marlow 5 due 10th May – race cancelled (read more)
  • Park Run – all park runs in UK now suspended
  • The Great British Spring Clean
  • Rebellion – public and members nights cancelled until further notice. But…. there is a Drive through service to pick up beer, see below
  • Marlow Bookshop – cancelling all upcoming events, including storytime and bookclub
• Further initiatives announced by local businesses – click images for details

Purpose of this article (first published 15th March 2020)

This article is not intended to replace national news on the Coronavirus outbreak, but is focused on the very local impact here in Marlow, and we will update as things develop. We will include  how businesses are responding (home deliveries etc), how we can perhaps help them – and how we can help each other, in particular members of our community who are self-isolating or vulnerable.  Please CONTACT US if you think there is anything we should add that could be of use to the local community.

We have covered

1. Important NHS & Government Advice
2. Impact on and reaction from local businesses
3. Marlow Medical Centre
4. Panic buying
5. Helping neighbours in self-isolation
6. Cancelled Events
7. Sports cancelled

Important NHS & Government Advice

The source for the absolute latest official advice, which is rapidly evolving, should be the NHS Covid-19 page.

However , at time of writing (Wed 18-3-20) the key points are:

• Stay at home for 7 days if you have either a high temperature OR a new, continuous cough. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
• Use the NHS 111 coronavirus online service if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
• Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Impact on and reaction from local businesses

We are keen to help support local businesses during this difficult time! We went for lunch in a popular local cafe today, and it was worryingly empty. It must be extremely worrying and difficult for smaller independent businesses of all sorts, so please do try to #shoplocal and support them.

We have received emails from many local establishments, who are reinforcing the particular attention to hygiene, cleaning and so on which is all comforting to hear.

Some businesses are taking active steps, as per the examples below. We will happily add to this list, if any businesses wish to contact us.

Special offers and procedures include….

Marlow Medical Centre

Panic buying

“There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked. Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can. Which brings me onto a request. Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need. If we all do this then we can make sure we have enough for everyone. And please help elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.”

Helping neighbours in self-isolation

Cancelled Events

You will know we maintain a comprehensive Events Calendar on our website. Unsurprisingly we are receiving notice of various cancellations and postponements. Tho help spread the word of the cancellations, we are keeping them in our calendar, but adding “CANCELLED” to the title, and having the following prominent message at the top.

Events we have previously promoted, but have now been advised are cancelled include the following. However, you should probably assume that ANYTHING involving gathering people together has been affected, we are gettign more notifications than it is possible to keep up with!

• Sun Mar 15th – “Death and the Maiden” concert – https://www.mymarlow.co.uk/event/death-and-the-maiden-concert-by-the-brompton-quartet/
• Tue Mar 17th Jazz Club Gig https://www.mymarlow.co.uk/event/julia-titus-ma-bessie-is-returning-to-marlow/
• Thu Mar 26th – Archaeology in Marlow talk: https://www.mymarlow.co.uk/event/aim-talk-the-megalithic-sites-of-britain-and-ireland/

Sports cancelled

All BetVictor Isthmian league games for Saturday 14th March and the following midweek have been suspended as a result of current health concerns which will be closely monitored on an on-going basis.— Marlow Football Club (@MarlowFC) March 13, 2020

Matches have been suspended for both Marlow FC and Marlow United, and in addition the Rugby and Hockey clubs have ceased training at playing activities – as we imagine is the case for most other team sports

Anything else?

We want this page to be a useful resource for the community, and plan to update it regularly. Please CONTACT US if you think there is anything we should add, or if you are able to offer some service or support to others that we can publicise etc etc.