I live in Gtr MCR. We are on a stricter lockdown. I don't live in the highest risk area. I am a rule follower and I understand the risk reduction plan the government has (even though their communication of it is poor). I have missed an important family birthday gathering (my Mum turned 80). We wear masks and social distance.
We don't attend large gatherings and mostly WFH.
My 19 year old son is autistic and has been severely depressed over parts of the last 18 months. He has severe social anxiety and did not leave the house between 18 March and end of May at all. When the rules relaxed a little his one friend, who lives locally and is also autistic, began visiting and they would sit in the garden - appropriately distanced - chatting.
Neither of them goes anywhere else. College hasn't started yet. For now I am allowing him to visit the other boy's house and his friend is allowed in my house. They are encouraged to sit in the garden (2m apart) even though that is not allowed in my area. We can't count as a support bubble as neither of us is a single adult household.
These boys would not go and sit in the park or go for a walk. They don't use social media and my son does not use a phone or WhatsApp. They rely heavily on each other and are each other's single social contact. I guess - though obviously it's not a romantic relationship - it's no different than if they were teen partners, they stayed apart to begin with but they are both happier if they see each other.
Would other parents bend the rules in these circumstances? The other lad's parents are in agreement. I have said we will review frequently based on local infection rates and how much exposure they have when college goes back.