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Original poster

Is anyone applying actual LOGIC to Christmas or just blindly following covid rules??

289 replies

Christmasisallaroundus · 19/12/2020 22:17

I’m not changing my Christmas plans. I’m due to go to my parents 50 mins drive away. Myself & DH WFH full time. No DC. We’ve been isolating for 2 weeks in advance of Christmas. We are getting private covid tests on 21st - waiting for presumably negative results on 23rd then will travel home. Parents also not working and have been isolating pretty much since March. Will be home 24th-27th. No plans to leave the house. Then straight back to our house to isolate again for the foreseeable as no plans to see anyone.

Why would we change our plans and not go just because ‘it’s against the rules’. I don’t understand those saying they can’t go how due to rules changing.

If you are working out and about you shouldn’t have been mixing in the 1st place as you’re higher risk! Why are the rules influencing what you do - surely you should be using common sense!

OP posts:
Mumofsend · 20/12/2020 10:50

Depends on the scenario IMO. A dr or nurse or other essential worker working Christmas day itself, more than justified to hold their Christmas on an alternative day following the same rules IMO.

Fedup21 · 20/12/2020 10:54

Is seeing family at Christmas during a pandemic only for those privileged to be able to afford private tests and 2 weeks working from home?

So, the rest of the masses SHOULD follow the rules, but not you because you’re special?

Do you get your eyesight checked at Barnard Castle as well?

daisychain01 · 20/12/2020 10:57

@MrSunshineSue

I agree in a way OP.

You see lots of sanctimonious posts on here about following the rules for the greater good, protecting X and Y and so on. But if the magic rules changed again tomorrow to say you could go to the pub, meet 30 people in a small room or go on holiday the same people would do it because it's allowed now, it's in the roolz.

And yet more generalising bollox. Ye gods, people are really out in force today, aren't they!

If the rules changed, people with a functioning brain would know that the rules don't instantly change the spread of the virus, and they'd carry on being careful, irrespective. Like the many many people who recognised that Eat out to Help out was a bad idea, so they didn't just follow what others did, they were independent thinkers.

PerveenMistry · 20/12/2020 10:57

@TheEchtMeaningofChristmas

You see lots of sanctimonious posts on here about following the rules for the greater good, protecting X and Y and so on

Why is it sanctimonious to follow the rules? Do you even know what sanctimonious means?

But if the magic rules changed again tomorrow to say you could go to the pub, meet 30 people in a small room or go on holiday the same people would do it because it's allowed now, it's in the roolz

Now you sound stupid, designating the rules as "magic" as if they were arbitrary. If the information changes, the rules change.

It's this defiant and proudly ignorant attitude that has promoted the virus and prolonged the pandemic.

Reminds me of the Trumpers in the US.

daisychain01 · 20/12/2020 10:59

Depressingly the people being branded as sanctimonious are people who are trying to get others to see sense, rather than parroting the dross on social media.

babbi · 20/12/2020 10:59

@bobbiester

We are getting private covid tests on 21st - waiting for presumably negative results on 23rd then will travel home

Will these be PCR tests or rapid lateral flow? Presumably because of the 2 day wait for results they are PCR tests.

If you have really been completely isolating for 2 weeks and are getting PCR tests then the risk of passing anything on is extremely low.

BUT how are you doing the tests? If you have to travel somewhere to take the test then that's your isolation over. Unless it's a drive through (which private ones aren't) you are going to have to walk into a building full of people.

Exactly ...OP will run the risk of catching it whilst getting a test ... it will be too soon to be positive... some tests are inaccurate anyway .. So despite thinking she’d be 100 % sage to her relatives... unfortunately she won’t .

Vallance is right , we should all act like we have it

minipie · 20/12/2020 11:02

I agree with you OP in your specific situation.

If people have genuinely been isolating for 2 weeks - not even going to the supermarket - and are testing to be completely sure they are not carriers, then there is no risk of spreading it.

Your situation is very rare though.

Most people on MN have had kids in school, have at least one adult working out of the home sometimes, have been going to shops, had dinner outside with friends, or in a restaurant with their family, etc. And many people cannot afford private tests.

The problem is if you let people use “common sense” they will do things like Cummings.

minipie · 20/12/2020 11:03

I am assuming the OP’s tests are postal ones

TheEchtMeaningofChristmas · 20/12/2020 11:05

Vallance is right , we should all act like we have it

This was precisely the advice given by DET at my Melbourne school before and after lockdown for remote learning.

It is not a guaranteed safe get-out clause, but a timely reminder of sensible and achievable behaviours.

MrSunshineSue · 20/12/2020 11:21

If the rules changed, people with a functioning brain would know that the rules don't instantly change the spread of the virus, and they'd carry on being careful, irrespective. Like the many many people who recognised that Eat out to Help out was a bad idea, so they didn't just follow what others did, they were independent thinkers

I didn't say everyone would.

I said there are lots of people who follow the rules no matter what they are and apply no critical thinking.

We probably shouldn't have been allowed to mix at all at Christmas. But I guarantee a few of the same people who are now all 'how selfish of you not following THE RULES' would have been happy to see their Gran on the 23rd Dec 2 days ago when it was 'allowed'.

No, a lot of people don't apply critical thinking and just follow whatever is Boris says is allowed or not at any given time, which frankly changes quicker than I change my underwear.

MrSunshineSue · 20/12/2020 11:41

So yeah, I think it's sanctimonious to be disgusted or appalled and so on at other people, if a few days ago, you yourself had plans to see family over Christmas.

Because if you were so concerned as people like to make out, about the greater good, you wouldn't have made any despite what the rules said.

TheEchtMeaningofChristmas · 20/12/2020 12:29

didn't say everyone would.

I said there are lots of people who follow the rules no matter what they are and apply no critical thinking.
We probably shouldn't have been allowed to mix at all at Christmas. But I guarantee a few of the same people who are now all 'how selfish of you not following THE RULES' would have been happy to see their Gran on the 23rd Dec 2 days ago when it was 'allowed'. No, a lot of people don't apply critical thinking and just follow whatever is Boris says is allowed or not at any given time, which frankly changes quicker than I change my underwear

So yeah, I think it's sanctimonious to be disgusted or appalled and so on at other people, if a few days ago, you yourself had plans to see family over Christmas. Because if you were so concerned as people like to make out, about the greater good, you wouldn't have made any despite what the rules said.

Daffodil 😷
Yeahnahmum · 20/12/2020 12:35

Why bother us with your insubordinate plans?

Rules are there for a reason. Like stopping for a red light even when there are no other cars coming from any direction

MrSunshineSue · 20/12/2020 12:41

Sending a flower doesn't make it untrue Daffodil

Bazinga007 · 20/12/2020 12:41

What happens if your car breaks down?

supadupapupascupa · 20/12/2020 12:50

We are having Christmas with parents on the 27th. It's safer. This household will have been home alone for 10 days. If we did it Christmas Day it will have only been 8 days. We are all isolating to keep each other as safe as possible. And it will only be for dinner and a drink or two. We live close by.
We haven't broken a single other rule nor do we intend to thereafter. What we will do over Christmas is in the spirit of what we have been told to do and I feel no guilt. It is sensible.

VinylDetective · 20/12/2020 13:00

@RudolphToldRedNoseNotSymptom

Who is logically going to fill the car with fuel?
Never heard of pay at pump?
P999 · 20/12/2020 13:06

OP. A lot of people getting v worked up over the rules. You are being responsible and careful and clearly pose no risk. The rules can be ignored in your case. No moral imperative to blindly 'follow orders' in my book. Enjoy your Xmas with your family

EskSmith · 20/12/2020 13:08

@Fedup21

Is seeing family at Christmas during a pandemic only for those privileged to be able to afford private tests and 2 weeks working from home?

So, the rest of the masses SHOULD follow the rules, but not you because you’re special?

Do you get your eyesight checked at Barnard Castle as well?

Exactly. The rules are for everyone. We'll never get out of this if everyone thinks they are free to follow or not follow them. There is a definite bias to see what you are doing as ok and other people as risky.

FWIW we're seeing only my MIL who is already in our support bubble, if she hadn't already had covid we wouldn't even be seeing her. I'm not seeing my Dad who is terminally ill (stage 4 cancer) despite not seeing him since February :( as he is CEV and we're desperately hoping he will soon get the vaccine.

Bollss · 20/12/2020 13:08

@LaurieFairyCake

Following the rules Confused

Dh works in a school - a complete Covid hotbed

We'd be right cunts if we didn't follow the rules considering what we may be carrying

Everyone should behave as if they have the virus said Vallance today

Why when the vast majority of people don't have it? And if you know you don't have it why the fuck should you be punished as if you have? Vallance has absolutely no idea what "normal" people's lives are like does he?
MiddlesexGirl · 20/12/2020 13:15

Such an 'I'm alright Jack's post. Beyond belief Hmm

And in terms of other people mixing - because we were permitted to - we each have our own vulnerabilities to consider but overall the NHS was coping so on a country-wide basis it didn't matter so much if by mixing we caught the virus.
But the situation has now changed with the faster transmitting mutated virus. Until we know more about it and have it under control then stricter rules should be followed - by everyone.

Newkitchen123 · 20/12/2020 14:08

If you've really fully isolated do you really need a private test to tell you what you already know?
It did you just want to make the point that you could afford one?

BadTattoosAndSmellLikeBooze · 20/12/2020 14:21

It did you just want to make the point that you could afford one?

It could be that or it could be that the OP is just looking for attention. Covid rules have people divided so post something like this, it’s guaranteed attention for someone. I always think people who do this must be lacking somewhere in their life. Shame really.

Orcadianrythyms · 20/12/2020 15:03

@Christmasisallaroundus -just so you're clear it's the use of the term 'these people' which is so offensive. 'These people' that you want to follow the rules so you don't have to are the people who enable you to enjoy your lifestyle. Supermarket workers, council staff, police, doctors and nurses all have to put themselves in danger for you. You might reflect on feeling grateful rather than entitled.

As for why you should follow the rules, it's a construct called society and it calls for compromise and being able to make a valuable contribution. I don't agree with every rule but I want others to follow them too so I'm not arrogant enough to think I can do a pick and mix.

On a day which is so hard for many, perhaps you can take some time to reflect?

Bigoldmachine · 20/12/2020 15:14

A few points...

  • sadly not everyone possesses common sense
  • it’s human nature to “put yourself first” (ie make selfish decisions)
  • in today’s instant, very connected culture people are finding it very hard to live a super simple and isolated life

So that’s why some people are breaking the rules.

The reasons people are sticking to the rules when they don’t actually need to include:

  • they can’t afford the fine if they get caught
  • they are happy to do whatever it is they’ve decided to do (eg they don’t actually want to see dear aunt Betty at all and they’re looking for an excuse)
  • they want to mitigate the impact of the spread of the virus for everyone by being more cautious than needed
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