With coronavirus cases continuing to increase across the UK, many worried Brits have taken the sensible decision to self-isolate at home.
Now, it seems that many self-isolating Brits are stocking up on gaming consoles in the hopes of keeping themselves entertained while at home.
Online retailers including Argos and Amazon have seen a surge in searches for popular consoles including the Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4.
In particular, it seems that the threat of a lockdown is influencing many shoppers’ buying decisions.
Speaking to 9news.com.au, Bec Aparo, a shopper in Melbourne, said: “I heard rumours lockdown was happening soon, so I wanted to get in before they sold out.
"I've never been someone who likes staying at home. [It's] something to do.”
Meanwhile, Twitter is awash with shoppers discussing their new purchases.
One user tweeted: “I’m so bored in self-isolation I just bought a Nintendo switch which will be delivered to me in 1 hour. This is a cry for help.”
Another added: “Impulsively just swiped my credit card on a PlayStation 4 as a coronavirus present to myself since I'm stuck inside.”
And one joked: “I just took £200 out of my help to buy isa and bought a nintendo switch so I guess you could say my 4th day of isolation is going well.”
The UK could be forced under a full lockdown within hours if the public does not heed pleas to stay two metres apart outdoors.
The Prime Minister responded to scenes of huge crowds flocking to Britain's parks, beaches, and holiday spots on Mother's Day yesterday.
Boris Johnson said there was no ban on going outdoors for fresh air - yet - as he told Brits to stay home as much as possible.
But the PM warned in yesterday's press conference the Government is ready to impose tougher restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus if people do not follow the guidance on social distancing and stay two metres apart.
He warned: "I don't think you need to use your imagination very much to see where we might have to go, and we will think about this very very actively in the next 24 hours."
