At 8:30pm on 23rd March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all "non-essential" shops should close.

This does not include Boots, because they are listed as a pharmacy. This is somewhat logical - people will need pharmacies and doctors more than ever, so these places should remain open.

However, there are many staff at Boots, like my Mum, who do not work in the pharmacy. They are not trained to work in the pharmacy, they have never set foot in the pharmacy. These staff members are still expected to go in and work.

My Dad is currently undergoing hospital treatment, which means he is highly vulnerable to the coronavirus. It's absurd that people like him are being put at risk by this, especially if the staff member in question isn't part of the "essential" service that is being provided.

Mum has worked for Boots since she was a teenager. She's been there a long time, and she has remained loyal to the company throughout; this is exemplified by the fact she has still gone in today, as she doesn't want to let the store or her colleagues down. Truth be told, for most of it, they have been a good company to work for. But if the shops are only open because they are a pharmacy, then why should sales assistants be put in this position? Why should they have to choose between what is right for their family, or what is right for their career?