Can I travel from Tier 3 to visit a vulnerable relative?

[AlexaShutUp]

Elderly relative's DH is in hospital. Terminally ill and probably won't make it till Christmas. We don't know yet if she will be allowed to visit, though we're hoping so.

Relative's mental health is not great at the best of times as she is very isolated, but she is really not coping with the current situation at all, and I think she desperately needs support.

I wouldn't dream of going if it weren't for these concerns, I haven't even seen my parents for months and I wouldn't want to put her at risk. (I'm quite exposed because dd is in year 11 at a large school). However, with all that's going on, it feels like the risk of not going is probably worse than the risk of going.

Am I right to think that I would be allowed to travel in these circumstances? I am in Tier 3, and I think her area is in Tier 2.

TIA

Visits to the terminally ill are allowed.

Sorry, just to clarify, I wouldn't be visiting her terminally ill dh, who is in hospital. I would be visiting his wife who is really struggling to cope with the situation.

We are still waiting for confirmation as to whether she will be allowed to visit him in the hospital.

Anyone?

It's not allowed within the rules, but you make your own mind up.

Thanks Pipandmum. I really don't want to break the rules as I know that just makes it worse for everyone. However, I can't just leave her to it as she isn't able to cope on her own. I guess I had hoped that there might be some exception if traveling to vulnerable people who need support. She won't ask her neighbours for help, so I need to find some other option.

Yes it is allowed. You can travel within, from or into a Tier 3 area to visit for caring purposes, which is what you would be doing.

Thank you scarby9, that's helpful.

Of course it's allowed.
You can visit vulnerable people.

Thank you Oreservoir.

@Pipandmum

It's not allowed within the rules, but you make your own mind up.

I disagree.

There are exceptions for caring blah blah and I'm sure this would come under that.

You can very much do this for caring purposes. It’s allowed .

Of course you can visit an elderly relative who is vulnerable and desperately in need of support.

What have we become, when people would argue otherwise?

And may your god go with you as Dave Allen would say.

Sorry to hear this OP

Yes, you can go.

You have always been ""allowed" to visit vulnerable people but yes you can visit them from any tier.

It's not illegal, and I think exceptional trips to support those in end-of-life situations is the humane thing to do.

But what is your exposure level like? Do you work, have DC in school? And what level of social contact (especially indoors)?

It would be, I expect, even tougher for her if she had to be alone - eg if she became ill herself or a had requirement to SI if you do.

If you decide that you are a too exposed, are there other family who are less so who would be able to visit?

I would definitely go. I'm in tier 3 and wouldn't hesitate in this situation.

Its providing care, it's fine.

It would surely come under providing care. I guess a key consideration though is if you could pass anything on. At the very least wear a mask, don't touch stuff etc.

Yes for caring purposes you can but if you think you are relatively high risk do take precautions 're mask, hand washing, ventilating, etc. Ideally outside but that might not be practical

But what is your exposure level like? Do you work, have DC in school? And what level of social contact (especially indoors)?

My personal exposure is low as I'm in a somewhat more vulnerable category myself and have been being careful. Although we're tier 3, the cases per hundred thousand have come down significantly in recent weeks and are in line with the national average. I'm wfh, do click & collect shopping and don't really see anyone except one friend for walks every couple of weeks. DH is same, only sees one friend outside for exercise. Our primary source of risk is dd, who is exposed to lots of people in school (year 11) and through her extracurricular activities which have just re-started. She's quite careful, and doesn't really socialise outside those things, apart from the odd walk with a friend who she sees in school anyway. However, there is no social distancing in school really, so obviously, there is a significant risk of exposure there.

I'm obviously worried about passing something on as she is elderly and has some health problems though I think she is generally physically fit for her age. I haven't seen my parents since March for precisely this reason. However, with the way things are, it feels like more of a risk to just leave her. There isn't really anyone else who could go instead of me.

Obviously, I would try to be really careful about social distancing etc. I'd be happy to wear a mask and would take care over hand hygiene, not touching stuff etc. However, I think what she probably needs more than anything is a bit of human contact, and I don't think I would have the heart not to hug her if she were to break down crying. This is one of my concerns tbh, as I don't want to put her (or myself for that matter) at risk, but there are also risks other than covid. Ultimately, if she needs a hug, I'm pretty sure I'll give her one.

If anyone has any other tips about how to minimise risk, they would be gratefully received. Thank you to all for responding so far and for the reassurance that I am allowed to do this.

If anyone has any other tips about how to minimise risk, they would be gratefully received. Thank you to all for responding so far and for the reassurance that I am allowed to do this.

One of the main routes of transmission that is often underestimated is nasal passages. High alcohol gel rubbed around inside nostrils helps both parties. (My physio and I do this, plus she wears PPE.) Also maybe use mouth wash (both of you if possible) before meeting, if a hug is on the cards?

Best wishes

Thank you JamieLeeCurtains, that is very helpful advice.

This is legally permitted. It falls under Exception 4 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020. Even in the highest tier, you may participate in a gathering inside a private dwelling if you are providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person.
There are also no rules restricting travel within England.
It is so very important to know your rights in these times.
You can reduce risk by keeping windows open in the room and by reducing the length of time you stay inside with her.

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1374/schedule/3/made

@AlexaShutUp

Thanks Pipandmum. I really don't want to break the rules as I know that just makes it worse for everyone. However, I can't just leave her to it as she isn't able to cope on her own. I guess I had hoped that there might be some exception if traveling to vulnerable people who need support. She won't ask her neighbours for help, so I need to find some other option.

An elderly person in a personal crisis needing support? Of course it’s allowed.