If the many graphs we are shown during government Covid-19 briefings are anything to go by, we are being successful with our social distancing efforts.

It’s no time to relax but we can take some credit that we are saving lives. It also means that we, the people, might be showing better judgement than some of the folks enforcing these rules.

There were claims that some shoppers were told off for buying birthday cards during the lockdown because they aren’t essential.

We haven’t had clear guidance on what is and is not essential. If you look at the Waitrose definition for its “essentials range” you’d have to include things like vermicelli nests and artichoke hearts, both of which I have made it to this age without.

Anyone who thinks a birthday card isn’t essential has clearly never forgotten to give one to their other half before.

For the rest of the world 2020 will be remembered as the year of the coronavirus. For you it will be called “The year you forgot all about me”.

If you’re leaving the house to buy just a card you should plan better, but if you’re shopping you should be allowed to buy anything that shop sells. If we are going to judge the essentiality of individual items, the middle aisle in Aldi might as well be cordoned off.

Birthday gifts, on the other hand, aren’t essential. It’s understandable that you couldn’t get to normal shops to get a gift. Don’t put money in the card; many shops are only taking contactless payments now.

Put a few squares of loo roll in the card instead. You’ll be giving something they could really use.