Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Jo Raphael - Level 3 is level 4 but with online shopping

If you think a Big Mac combo is essential, perhaps make a donation to a foodbank as well, writes Jo Raphael. Photo / File

OPINION:

If you're like me then you will have been spending some of your time during Lockdown 2.0 browsing retail websites.

I take so long making decisions when online shopping, sometimes I will close the site and come back later and, after having had time to sleep on it, often the previous desire for that item has since dissipated.

That's good news for the credit card.

If the desire is still there - it goes back into the trolley.

However, retail stores during level 4 are open for click and collect for essential goods only.

Sadly, the Government has not classed throw cushions, end-of-season ankle boots, or novelty knick-knacks as essential items.

Anything we buy now that is not essential will be delivered, or available to collect, when the country moves further down alert levels.

Tonight at 11.59 the country south of Auckland will move to level 3, meaning businesses that can open safely for takeaways and click and collect will be kicking into gear.Last year when the country moved to level 3, fast food joints were overwhelmed by people needing their fat/salt/sugar fix.

Rotorua's three McDonald's branches had to close temporarily after running out of food.

Franchisee Rob Parry said at the time: "We had enough stock that should have lasted five days."

The stampede for sausage and egg McMuffins started before dawn. The queues for Quarterpounders snaked around streets. The brouhaha over Big Macs meant some were made without lettuce.

Although the lifting of some restrictions caught some outlets off guard last year, I'm sure everyone this year is more prepared.

The situation was even the butt of a joke by The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, who made fun of Kiwis coming out lockdown and running straight to fast food stores.

"I'm willing to bet that some people were driving up just for the social interaction," Noah said on his show last year.

More seriously, it's important to note that 2020's level 4 lockdown lasted four weeks and many businesses suffered. We've been cooped up this time around for two - so do we really need our fast food fix?

If you do decide a burger and chips are essential, spare a thought for those who have been struggling this year and perhaps make a food or cash donation to your local foodbank.

Local businesses are also doing it tough, and if you need a throw cushion, ankle boots or anything else, and you're able - pop something in your online trolley.

Let's help our economy bounce back quickly.