There may be still a long way to go before normal life resumes but this week saw some positive signs as the virus peaked in the UK, and the rate of spread is less than 1 person infected by each person who has it.

Consequently selected shops and manufacturers are getting back to business; the DIY chain B&Q reopened 155 of its UK stores while several car companies and house-builders Taylor Wimpey said they would return to work in May.

So, it's possible that the end of the lockdown is just weeks away though some form of social distancing will probably continue until next year, when a vaccine is readily available.

Until then, here are some useful local contacts for essential services.

Chemists
Local family run Qrystal pharmacy on Newington Causeway, SE1 6ED is open for normal hours (until 7pm, but please note they do also close for an hour at lunch).

The Osbun Pharmacy on the Southbank SE1 9LP also closes its doors at 7pm.

For Chemists open later, at Waterloo station there is a Boots which is open until midnight and at the ASDA on the Old Kent Road their in-store pharmacy is open between 7am and 11pm most days, closing earlier on the weekends.

Emergency Dentist
If you are struggling with a dental problem - don't suffer in silence, you can still call your dentist and they should be able to answer questions and suggest the best way forward by recommending painkillers or even prescribing medication.

If necessary they will direct you to the NHS or to an Emergency Dentist who is best equipped and located for you.

Emergency Vets
The Goddard Vet Group is transferring all activities from their Kennington to their Stockwell practice and in the event of an emergency or if your pet is unwell out of hours their Pet Hospitals offer a dedicated emergency service. You can reach Goddard's on 020 7735 6541 and their Stockwell practice address is 348 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1UQ.

Medivet on Grange Road, SE1 3BW is open but does ask pet owners to call in advance to make an appointment or receive advice for the time being. Their number is 020 7232 2637.

The Southwark Mobile Vet Clinic which helps pets in the local area whose owners can’t afford private veterinary fees is currently not offering a mobile clinic service but If your pet needs urgent help they do ask you to make contact for advice and support on 0300 777 1890.

Out of Hours Pets. If you have an animal emergency out of hours you can contact the South London Emergency Veterinary Clinic based at 23 The High Parade, Streatham High Road, on 020 8677 0976. Their hours of practice are Monday to Friday: 6pm – 9am Saturday to Sunday: 12pm – 9am Sunday to Monday: 9am – 9am

Doctors Surgeries
In most instances your first port of call should be calling the NHS on 111 where you will be directed to the right course to follow.

Generally, GP practices are not available in their usual capacity but do still offer a range of help and support. For example, the Bermondsey Spa Medical Practice is open for 'essential medical services' only, which are urgent planned appointments with staff working remotely from home. If you need Sick Certificates, Repeat Prescriptions, Specimen Pots, General Enquires, New Registrations then you should call 020 3474 6000 or email: souccg.bsmp@nhs.net

Check your own GP online first and follow the advice they have added to their websites.

CORONAVIRUS If you believe you have symptoms, NHS advice is to stay at home for 7 days. The symptoms to look out for are; a high temperature or a new continuous cough.

Remember, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, you do not even need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home. You only need to contact the NHS if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.

Our next posts will include ideas for staying sane and healthy for the remainder of the period, including local exercise, food and kitchen suggestions, keeping yourself, family and house-sharers entertained at home, and making positive use of your time by tackling some home improvements.

From time to time we will also add links to new properties for new tenants or buyers with a 'Virtual Viewing' - taking a tour of homes by watching videos taken by our team of new properties on the market, so even if you are not ready to leave home yet, you can still property search online and make plans...