AIBU - covid rules at baby group?

[Heckythump1]

I took my little one to a baby group yesterday, one we've been too before, but this was a different session to last term as she's a bit older this time.

The group has some very simple covid rules -

• masks to be work in the buggy area, and until you're sat on your individual mat

• stay on individual mat unless retrieving mobile baby (there were no mobile babies in the group)

• when the group all comes together at the end masks to be worn

• only one adult per baby

Every single rule was broken yesterday.

One woman had a friend with her. My husband had a week off during the last term and would have loved to have come but the rules said he couldn't so he didn't.

There were only three of us wearing masks during the group bit even though the leader said to put masks on.

There were a few Mums who obviously knew each other wandering around take photos of their babies together on their various mats.

Nobody except me wore a mask in the pushchair area.

I'm not an anxious person and this isn't my first baby.
I also don't think it's the group leaders fault as she did ask people to follow the rules they just ignored her.
It just made me feel really uncomfortable and I don't know what to do.
I've paid a lot of money for the group so I can't just not go again and all the other sessions across the week are booked up, so I can't change session either!

I think you should go elsewhere. I would not care less. In fact I would not go to a group with stupid rules.

@Heckythump1

What if I decide to vote with my feet and leave? I'd also then not return next term, so that's two terms fees she'd lose! That argument works both ways.

Looks like you’re in the minority though 🤷🏼‍♀️.

Most people want to get on with their lives.

@PurpleyBlue

That's awful. So many people missed out on baby groups in the first wave and these people are just acting so entitled. I suggest you speak to the organiser and say if it doesn't improve you'll have to quit and ask for a refund.

It’s not their fault that people missed out of baby groups in the first lockdown!! It’s the fault of covid militants who love covid rules! 🙄

I'm not saying it is their fault but they should count themselves lucky to be able to go to one and not ruin it for everyone.

@PurpleyBlue

I'm not saying it is their fault but they should count themselves lucky to be able to go to one and not ruin it for everyone.

As far as we know, it’s not ‘everyone’ that’s complaining and the group remains unruined.

I'm starting to think some of these posts might be government plants. Most people are sick of the restrictions. Most people can assess their own risk. Most people are too hot for masks and don't believe the possible 5-15% risk reduction is worth it. Most people can see that the governments endless delaying of restrictions is based on old and/or dodgy data.

If you want to wear a mask, crack on. Stop forcing other people to do things they don't want to do.

#ImDone #EnoughIsEnough

MiddleParking unruined until someone brings covid in and the babies catch it

There were only three of us wearing masks during the group bit even though the leader said to put masks on.

it has never been mandatory to wear masks anywhere though, anyone could call themselves "exempt" and not bother.

I think YABU, because in the end, it makes 0 difference if people move around or have masks/ no masks in such a tiny setting. That's why they were shut.

I'm starting to think some of these posts might be government plants. Most people are sick of the restrictions. Most people can assess their own risk.

Most people didn't even know how to wash their hands, or have any soap at home... Most people are stupid

That's why we do have restrictions, because people think they know better and it's a mess. We don't have enough restrictions by the sound of things!

Some of us want to go away this summer, we need to get the rates under control or we'll all be stuck here.

Do you know if anyone not wearing a mask is exempt? Also yoi have no idea why someone may have felt they needed a friend as support - PTSD, post natal depression, anxiety. Groups like this are a life line for those people. We (I am one of them) have already been so isolated this year. I was stuck with a infant during lockdown 3 being told to 'go for a walk with someone'. That presumed I knew another mum to meet for a walk.

Also the mums going to each others mats, putting babies near each other are no doubt going to each others houses and having a cuppa. Why wouldn't they pop their babies down near each other when at a group?

You say you aren't worried so what difference does it make to you. If you are worried about covid stay at home and let those who want some quality of life get in with theirs. There are other health conditions out there including mental health. Having access to groups and able to meet people/see a friendly smile/interact has a significant positve impact on mental health.

I go to a group and the leader does ensure the rules are followed.

It's to everyone's advantage as it meant when one child tested positive for covid the day after the group, no one else had to isolate as we'd all been 2m apart and masked.
In your situation one sick child/parent could take everyone out. I can't afford the time off work to isolate,

I'd complain to the group leader and if they can't ensure the guidelines they promised are followed, get your money back.

@PurpleyBlue

MiddleParking unruined until someone brings covid in and the babies catch it

Nah, probably not.

I think you need to chill out and just enjoy the group with your baby.

@MiddleParking they might not catch it, but they would all have to isolate for 10 days which is almost as bad!

Yawn. Why oh why is everyone so hell nemt of continuing covid restrictions. Let's move on already. Wake up.

@Pregnantpeppa

I think you should ask for your money back on the grounds you felt the group was not COVID safe as people not complying with rules - say what you said here

Agree

@Workingfromhomeishell

Yawn. Why oh why is everyone so hell nemt of continuing covid restrictions. Let's move on already. Wake up.

you do know it's not a fashionable thing and people don't do it for the fun of it, don't you?

If they state masks are necessary in certain areas but are blasé about it you need to ask them about that. Maybe they just haven’t updated their requirements and by you asking they’ll do so

Or just get a new obsession. If you're that frightened, stay at home.

[quote DarcyLewis]@MiddleParking they might not catch it, but they would all have to isolate for 10 days which is almost as bad![/quote]
They might think the potential for the unlikely event someone gets Covid and then gives that entire baby group as close contacts to track and trace to be worth the risk, if they enjoy it. I would.

@MiddleParking it might be unlikely that a child gets covid, but if they do then obviously they will be asked about places they have been and if there hasn't been any distancing or masks then everyone who checked in is likely to be a contact. If you don't want to or can't afford to isolate for 10 days then that is something you have to take into account.

Probably best to avoid such groups if you need to police the rules. People have had enough and are applying common sense.

Probably best to avoid such groups if you need to police the rules.

This ❤️

No I know how the track and trace system operates. I just don’t think it’s likely enough that someone’s going to get Covid, be picked up by (useless) track and trace, then give everyone at the baby group as a close contact that then gets checked up on by said useless track and trace, to be worth making a fuss. Clearly the group leader isn’t very invested in making people follow the guidance religiously, and I don’t blame her - I wouldn’t expect that to change at the request of one attendee.