Yesterday I had to go to 5 different shops in search for a cucumber…!
Everywhere was sold out and some shops said they had no idea when they would next get new stock, and that lots of items in their shops were becoming unavailable due to the pingdemic impacting their supply chains.
“Pingdemic” is a play on words from the terms ‘pandemic’ and ‘ping’ – specifically being notified by the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.
The app advises (even though there is no legal obligation) to self-isolate based on a threshold of time if that particular phone has been in close contact with another phone whose owner has tested positive for Covid-19.
The number of people being “pinged” by the app has risen sharply over recent weeks, as of 20th July an estimated 1.73 million people have been pinged and are isolating, causing much disruption to businesses, supply chains, and support organisations, with many having to close their doors completely due to staff shortages.
Some are questioning whether the app is too sensitive and picking up Bluetooth connections if they live or work in a built-up area/building, some saying the app is picking up the status of neighbours who pose no or little risk to them.
While from 16th August the rules change yet again so if one is fully vaccinated they won’t need to self isolate even if they are pinged, could this be too late?
While the UK urgently needs to focus also on rebuilding its economy and supporting small business in particular, this chaos looks set to continue unless an alternative approach is sought and quickly too.
See here for the poll and the lively discussion that took place regarding this question.