Over 70s

[Goldencurtain]

I'm really confused now after the latest press conference. Does anyone understand what the advice is or over 70s now? Can I travel 70 miles to see my 70 year old mum from a distance of 2m, as prior to this conference I thought it wasn't safe to/I wasn't allowed to.

What are the rules in Scotland? I feel like it's probably better to trust Nicola Sturgeon's decisions on what's safe more than the UK government.

My parents and in laws have taken it that they can get back to normal and be out and about.

FIl called Dh and said that he’s taking his 96 year old mum to Asda shopping tomorrow.

So I don’t know what the hell is going on.

That's terrible, why on earth would he do that?!

I don't think much has materially changed. You could visit outdoors at 2m distance.

@Goldencurtain He said that over 70s were never told to self isolate and they should have the same restrictions as every one else. I didn’t see it myself as I was bathing Dd.

His mum has no health conditions so he’s going to start taking her out again. He’s 76 - he’s never stopped going out anyway.

Also that pregnant women have no restrictions - I’m pregnant so we’ve had a barrage of texts from PIL saying I’m daft for not going out for exercise this eve (I’ve got complications with this pregnancy my consultant and midwives have told me to be extra careful and for me and my family to self isolate). They are pushing to see us now.

I mean he said that Boris said that over 70s never had restrictions.

There are two groups involved -

1. the healthy over 70s in the 'vulnerable' group, who are out and about and generally fit and well - these include some mild conditions. These have to be careful but don't need to isolate as long as they stay 2m apart and don't go out unless necessary.

2. The 'clinically extremely vulnerable group' - these will have been told to stay in for at least 12 weeks, have no one in their house except for carers, and not go out to shops, to get medications, or to visit anyone. These should have a letter and can register using this website (you can check conditions using this) :-
   www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

It’s the don’t go out unless necessary part they are not getting. They are out at every opportunity, everyday.

The second group includes anyone with a depleted immune system - on immunosuppressants eg. transplant patients, some cancer patients, severe (but not mild) COPD or asthma, etc (can't remember all the conditions, but there is a list.

In pregnancy you'd be vulnerable but not extremely vulnerable (shielded) unless you had something else too.

@Connie222

It’s the don’t go out unless necessary part they are not getting. They are out at every opportunity, everyday.

Tell me about it - several elderly relatives of mine are supposed to be shielded for various reasons but aren't taking any notice

@Magic2020 I’ve got complications which are going to make my section very dangerous and could mean I’m delivered anywhere from 32 weeks, we won’t know until it has to happen - so they don’t want me at risk of catching the virus before hand, hence the warning from the consultant to self isolate.

So has everyone been letting their kids see their grandparents all this time but from 2m distance?

A lot of people I know have been doing that. FIL does SIL garden every week and her kids have been out there with him

You aren't supposed to have been visiting except to drop off supplies. I think some people may have been visiting, but you aren't supposed to. From Wednesday you could meet one to one in a park with social distancing, but you wouldn't be able to take children.

No - people in the 'vulnerable' group (including healthy over 70s) could always go out but should take care. People in the 'extremely vulnerable' group should still stay at home for the full 12 weeks and isolate.

Neither of those have changed.

@Connie222 if you are pregnant and have certain conditions then you're part of the 'extremely vulnerable' group and you're entitled to some help - might be worth looking into.

Sounds like a very worrying time for you, I'm so sorry