*sigh* this may take a while

[Deleted User]

In Germany where I'm from, they've closed schools and kindergartens, but they keep a skeleton staff in each establishment to look after kids of emergency workers and supermarket employees, in groups of no more than 10 kids. I think it's not that bad an idea. 
I really don't know what's for the best - school being closed for months is a scary thought as it's such a huge disruptive step, but I have to say I'm very anxious about my DS going to school. It seems counterintuitive to send him there with like 400 other kids there when we avoid all other social interactions at the moment. 

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Haha, I've heard of the skeleton school staff idea for key workers, not sure my kids would like the idea of being shoved into school when none of their friends are  
My grumpy side also says if everyone is bunking down and avoiding contact to protect them and theirs, why should I be going out to work and putting myself and my family at extra risk? I will, of course, but the assumption is a bit annoying

[Deleted User]

Yeah I totally understand. My sister in law is a respiratory nurse and it's not a nice prospect

savingholmes

Scary times. Annoying that it is so hard to get a test for the virus. My DH was exposed but we can't get test for him so have been in high anxiety mode since we found out. At the moment we seem reasonably ok but you question every slight cough or headache 

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Very weird few days; still working as usual, but it's eerily quiet out and about and I'm not liking working while all my friends and family can hibernate at home.  Ho hum
Money wise, we're doing great this month unsurprisingly (except our food bill!)
Hope everyone is doing ok :-)

savingholmes

Hi - thanks for risking yourself on the frontline against the virus. I'm sure things are not quite what you expected right around now. On the money front will the schools or others refund some of the activities you've already paid for?

ohdearhowdidthathappen

All well here so far, still working etc.
Yes, if everything that's been cancelled gets refunded, we'll get about £1200 back.  We'll put it into savings, but it'll come in dribs and drabs (if at all)

savingholmes

Glad you are okay. £1.2K is an amazing figure - hope they don't take too long to refund.

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Goes to show how much all the kids' trips add up to.  I've been really shocked during this lockdown how much money we've been saving. Food is extortionate with 7 of us in the house (the kids are eating so much!!!) and our usual budget ranges have been out of stock.  But other than that, nothing has increased and it's really shown me how much money leaves our account on 'stuff'.  It pretty much adds up to my salary every month!  There will definitely be changes when this is all over.

Drawingaline

Same here! But on commuting costs. Nearly £500 saved this month! Downside is I can't do one of my jobs from home so after I get paid mid April things will get tighter. But still quite eye-opening.