Sorry, I am being U to post another of these threads...

[Secretlifeofme]

... but are my elderly parents allowed to have A plumber come to their house to check their central heating system on Thursday? I think not but I don't live in the UK so not completely sure of the rules.

Yes. Plumbing is an essential service (heat, sanitation and shelter obviously being basic human rights) . When he comes in they need to make sure he has a mask, the my should not allow him to touch anything other than what he needs to, no teas made. They should also wear a mask when speaking to him and keep two metres apart from him at all times. If possible they should then leave the offending room entirely.

Where in the UK do they live?

I don’t know what the rules say, but doesn’t common sense tell you that an elderly couple should not be left without heat. A fine would never stand up to a legal challenge.

Yes they can

You can visit other people's homes for work and plumbing is essential.

They live in Hampshire

Yes, rules state you can do work in other people’s houses

Thanks all, I'll let them know! They were worried they'd be breaking the rules but I'm really glad to hear they won't be

Yes, "essential contractors" can still work in domestic homes.

. The plumber will have a mask and be well aware of social distancing.
Parents can stay in another room while he works, and open the windows after he leaves. I offer contractors the chance to wash their hands on arrival and again before they leave.

There was a govt minister on R4 World at One who was asked this qn and said it will be okay as long as the property owners aren't self-isolating/unwell/quarantined.

The plumber canceled on them. Ffs.