Define essential during the covid lockdown

As I say in the sub heading this is based on my experiences and anecdotes in the uk as that's where I am. Ever since this lockdown started there's been disagreements on what's essential and what isn't. If one kind of shop is open then why isn't another kind is common. One large sports chain wanted to stay open because it sells fitness clothing and said that was essential for health. After a backlash in the press they closed. At the same time bicycle shops were deemed essential, though that's mainly for maintainace and alternative transport for key workers.

While supermarkets were obviously essential there was a storm over why take away shops could remain open. Also pubs that had been shut to stop people congregating could also offer a take away service. Our local pizza shop is still open to this day, in fact we are getting junk mail for it which isn't essential in any way.

The banks are either shut or offering reduced opening times, even the chemists are barely open. The rows then start with a politician saying if supermarkets can open then surely churches should open for Easter services. He isn't as mad as the American evangelists claiming they can shout at the virus and it goes away. He believes safe distances can be kept between people but luckily nobody listened. There have been arguments over people buying garden barbeques and pots of paint. The argument for the paint is people can use painting as a way of avoiding anxiety and it can calm.

Who am I to say what's essential to some and not to others? who says what's essential to me isn't the same to others?

Maybe we need to consider more what we can mange without for a few weeks. Can we avoid the trip to the park or beach? It will still be there after. The forecast for the uk is great for the next few days so there will be some idiots who cant wait. The police are starting to get involved and hopefully the idiot quotient will be low. The first week of the lockdown saw beaches and beauty spots packed, second week was better. Now is the official school holidays where some families will have expected to go away and visit family or holiday destinations.

I am a key worker with disabled adults so I am obeying the rules for their sake as well as mine. Some of the people I support will struggle to cope if they get ill. I also have elderly relatives who I cant go near. Its not going to be forever but will go on longer if people cant work out the meaning of the word essential. Playing football in the park isn't essential, having a party in your garden isn't essential. In one area of England the police have broken up 660 parties and gatherings in 2 weeks. They have people gathering on beaches and in parks who then get abusive if approached.

Thankfully the idiots are getting fines and the ones that spit or cough on people on purpose are getting locked up. I am lucky not to have kids so its easier for myself and my fiancé. We didn't join in the stupid panic buying when this started, we haven't bought so much food we throw half away. In fact as I have to keep working we haven't done much different at all. In fact I have watched less tv and spent more time with music and pod casts.

I miss going to relatives or shopping trips for no reason but I will manage. I have a 30th, 50th(mine) and 75th birthday in June and July along with my wedding so I need this mess sorted out. Please think before you go out. Your decision could kill people, not even someone you know. You could infect someone who infects someone who starts a new chain of virus transfer. I will spend another sweating by the open window while the sun blazes down, please do the same.