We may as well hug

[IJumpedAboardAPirateShip]

We live abroad and are intending to fly to the U.K. for Christmas - we’ll test and isolate before we fly and take as many precautions as possible in transit. At per government allowed rules we will be staying with my parents while we quarantine (actually for our whole trip), have our own bathroom to use etc.

DH says we shouldn’t have any physical contact with them until we get our tests done 5 days in, so no hugging. I haven’t seen them in over a year and our DC aged 11&7 won’t have either.

(FWIW both are healthy in their early 60’s and dad is still going Into central London for work so I reckon the most likely thing is he catches Covid and gives it to the rest of us!)

AIBU in thinking that once we’re in their (pretty small) house all breathing the same air we may as well make the most of being together and hug, we can be mindful about good hygiene washing hands etc but we’ll be breathing the same air so will it make any difference anyway? I mean if we were going to be that strict we shouldn’t be going at all....

YABU - we shouldn’t have any physical contact
YANBU - hug away

It’s so difficult but I’d err on the side of caution. It would be incredibly crap if any of you got sick. Your parents could be the ones who infect you.

I think ask your parents if what they want. That’s what I did when I went over. They are adults and can make their own decision.
I have to say I found there was a lot more fear in the Uk about Covid than where I was coming from (central Europe like Sweded but more mountains)

i hugged my parents when i saw them over the summer.

We put masks on when we arrived and hugged once and that was it, then stayed apart as far as possible in large house/lounge. (and hugged when left with masks on again)

Can't stand "hugs" - they're intrusive.
Big plus of covid is not having people being invasive and hugging.
Months and months of not being expected to smile at being hugged - heaven.

SAGE have just issued Christmas advice which states not to bug people, so they think it makes a difference...

I wouldn’t. I haven’t been, this year. It’s weird but it’s necessary, just incase.

I've seen my adult kids a few times since March and have hugged them outside. The happiness is worth the risk!

It makes a difference whether you take as many mitigation measures as you can or take none at all. Of course it makes a difference.

Not while quarantining.

Ask your parents. I hug mine when I see them. We are adults and we are making our own decisions.

They will want to hug us - mum has already said she won’t meet us in arrivals because “I’m not hugging my family with a bloody mask on”

@EveryDayIsADuvetDay

Can't stand "hugs" - they're intrusive. Big plus of covid is not having people being invasive and hugging. Months and months of not being expected to smile at being hugged - heaven.

You don't have to let people hug you, even when this is over. I just put my hand in front of my chest and say "no thanks" when I don't want a hug

I dont understand, I thought the whole point of quarantine was you stayed elsewhere for 2 weeks and actually quarantined before seeing people but you say you'requarantining with your parents?

If it were me I'd book accommodation and see them on Christmas day once your quarantine is up. I wouldn't hug either. People really should learn the guidance is for a reason, not just to spoil fun. You can really spend quality time with people and yet keep a bit of social distance. Not ideal but completely doable.

I didn't see the quarantine part.

I wouldn't hug them then at all. Not until clear. And I'd not be sharing space with then either, unless staying in own room for the 5 days/food delivered etc.

I don’t understand, I thought the whole point of quarantine was you stayed elsewhere for 2 weeks and actually quarantined before seeing people but you say you'requarantining with your parents?

And who is testing you after 5 days? Why 5 days?

@GetOffYourHighHorse we are following the guidelines, the government website stipulates you can stay with friends and family but yes I do get your point

@Notanothernamechanged101 the transport secretary said last week that incoming travellers can test after 5 days and if negative can end their quarantine before the 14 days are up

my mum is the only person outside my household that I hug. She wants to. We didnt hug the first lockdown and it made us all so sad. I dont really care about hugging anyone else

@HopeAndDriftWood

SAGE have just issued Christmas advice which states not to bug people, so they think it makes a difference...

I wouldn’t. I haven’t been, this year. It’s weird but it’s necessary, just incase.

Bugging people is usually frowned upon

Thank you, I don’t know anyone travelling so hadn’t heard of this.

I’d leave it up to your parents to make the choice. They’re likely to be the more vulnerable to the virus.

I hugged my dad when I last saw him, but that was his choice. He’s early 60s and still working in a job where he has close contact with a lot of young people.

I haven’t hugged my mum or DPs parents since before the first lockdown. My mum is just more cautious by nature and DPs parents are older.

I would and have done to my family last week but I'm not concerned about covid. It depends how your family feel. If they're happy hug away!

My DH is the one who doesn’t want us to hug...

Our update is DH is going even further and Saying we actually need to wear masks the whole time we’re with them. The whole thing is miserable