Post lockdown holiday on Mull
4 months of lockdown are over for us, as our first guests arrived this afternoon to start their post lockdown holiday on Mull. They had a few questions before they arrived and this made me think perhaps I should write a blog. They wanted to know if they would be welcomed on the island. Another question was what should they do about their shopping. What would be open?
Managing expectations
This summer isn’t like any other and we all need to tread carefully and slowly. The island cannot offer what it usually offers in terms of events, activities, and attractions. Lots of places have made difficult decisions not to open, because they cannot realistically adhere to the guidelines. And they want to keep our community safe. So if you come to the island thinking you are going to visit the Museum, the Aquarium, the Island of Ulva, they are all closed. But if you come to the island planning to walk and explore the island’s natural beauty you will find it completely open – with wildlife everywhere!
Practicalities
For shopping and food related things, have a look at the Mull and Iona Food Trail as there is an article there called Food For Thought which lists who has said they will be open this year, with an indication of what they are going to be doing.
To find out which attractions are open, go to the Visit Mull and Iona website.
Health
Mull has only 3 hospital beds and an ageing population with a high number of vulnerable residents. Understandably people are nervous that the influx of visitors in recent weeks will bring Covid-19 into the community. But you can help by being careful. Please adhere to the 2m social distancing rule. Remember that masks are mandatory in shops. Cafes and bars/restaurants will ask you for your contact details, just in case you come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Symptoms
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, please ring NHS 111 and talk to them. Please follow their advice and self isolate, and tell your hosts. At the moment you cannot travel on the ferry with Covid-19 symptoms or having tested positive, but hopefully this will change.
