Birthday party

[Whatafool123]

We live in London so are going into Tier 2 this weekend. My daughter was due to have 4 friends from her class (so in a class bubble) to our house for her birthday. My husband and son would go out so only i would be present (to comply with the rule of six). Do class bubbles count as bubbles for the purpose of the Tier 2 rules (since they spend 5 days a week together anyway)?

I am not trying to get round the rules. We will have to cancel the party if it is not allowed but i don't want to say no to her if our original plan is within the rules.

I realise we could maybe move the party outdoors but that is obviously weather dependant.

No, class bubbles don’t count as bubbles outside of school, they’re not like support bubbles. Under tier 2 the party isn’t allowed indoors I’m afraid.

Thanks @DamitJanet. That is what i suspected but it seemed so illogical (given they are with each other all the time) I hoped I might be wrong. Outdoor activities it is then!

Dd was supposed to have 2 friends round this weekend as it’s our turn to host them. We’ve had to cancel for the second time. The first time we had to cancel as their school bubble burst with a positive case. It’s so frustrating when they spend 5 days a week together.

I agree @TheGriffle. There is no logic and the kids know it too. DD was gutted when I told her about her party and she has taken every other restriction in her stride. I hope your DD is ok. We have offered DD an outdoor get together now and her planned sleepover party when restrictions are lifted, whenever that is...

It isn't illogical. Bubbles do not make them safe, it just reduces their interactions when at school and makes it easier to track who they have been with.

Kids can't socially distance at school, so these interactions have to happen so that we can keep full time schooling. Outside of school we have to keep interactions down to a minimum to reduce the risk of being in school.

Any chance of moving it to after school today? Rules don’t kick in until midnight

It's not illogical at all.

Even if your child took it to school, they'd be unlikely to pass it to four others on one occasion due to school measures.

A private party in a home is very different and a potential superspreader event.

Do class bubbles count as bubbles for the purpose of the Tier 2 rules (since they spend 5 days a week together anyway)

No.

They also do not have contact with you during the school day, not potentially form fomites in your home.

Their education is vital, so there are different rules in educational settings, just as workplaces have different rules, and hospitals, and care homes. None of those should be just lifted and applied to a totally different setting.

Move the party outdoors.

Your are only 1 day after the rule kicks in - I'd do it unless parents say no, poor thing was prob v excited!

@Remmy123

Your are only 1 day after the rule kicks in - I'd do it unless parents say no, poor thing was prob v excited!

I'd be too embarrassed to tell four other families I was the type of person to put my child's party ahead of public health.

Do it this evening!

Gazebos will probably be the next panic buy item.

I think your plan to move it outside is exactly right.

Gazebos are indeed selling well!

Thanks for all the replies. Hectic week and I haven't been on MN. I didn't frame the OP well, but her party was set for half term (this week) so no chance of moving it forward.

She was initially disappointed but has taken the whole thing very well since, and will stick to outdoor playdates until we are back to Tier 1 or better, whenever that is!

Both gazebos and patio heaters would be my prediction for selling out soon (like the world needs heating up more).