Wwyd - support bubble

[Coronaquandry]

I realise there will be hundreds of these threads today, so apologies in advance!

I have a 4.5 month old baby, so definitely qualify to form a support bubble. We hadn't formed one yet as dp is vulnerable due to a health condition and generally very risk averse. I've been having a pretty miserable time (feeding didn't work out as I'd hoped and I'm still crying about it most days.. haven't been going to baby classes or meeting up with anyone due to dps health so generally feeling very isolated) and dp had just come around to the idea of forming a bubble with my parents. We'd planned to all get tested before Christmas and start the bubble then.

I'm happy that the risk is minimal (no one in either household works or uses public transport, and none of us have been going to shops etc recently) and that it's legal/within guidelines, but I'm worried about what the neighbours will think if and when my parents rock up on Christmas day! From what I've read on here lots of people aren't aware that people in our situation can form a bubble, and it's not even like they'll have seen my parents coming and going previously. I don't want to piss everyone off, but at the same time I don't think we'd be doing anything wrong!

NB both I and my parents are in adjoining tier 4 areas.

Any thoughts?

Your in your rights to create a support bubble but it shouldn't just be because its Xmas. Having a newborn is hard work so absolutely need support but don't just wait till Xmas day. If you need support before - then see them before/after as well.

But i question how did you planned to get tested? You shouldn't be getting tested via the free NHS testing unless you have symptoms. We have health workers who need to get tested of they get symptoms or positive rapid response test to ensure they can get back to work if they are negative. The ambulance and hospitals are struggling as it is.

@Alicealicewhothe

Your in your rights to create a support bubble but it shouldn't just be because its Xmas. Having a newborn is hard work so absolutely need support but don't just wait till Xmas day. If you need support before - then see them before/after as well.

But i question how did you planned to get tested? You shouldn't be getting tested via the free NHS testing unless you have symptoms. We have health workers who need to get tested of they get symptoms or positive rapid response test to ensure they can get back to work if they are negative. The ambulance and hospitals are struggling as it is.

We'd definitely see them afterwards. Couldn't do before as tests won't be back.

Re the tests - there's a mobile testing centre on my high street and they're encouraging everyone to get tested whether they have symptoms or not. My parents have been invited for a test (despite not having covid symptoms) as they are part of some study (Zoe I think it's called??)

We formed a support bubble with our DD and SIL as they have a 10 week old. When they came to stay I just printed out the guidelines in case somebody phoned the police (there’s form in our street).

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.

Yes, do it. Who cares what the neighbours think, you are in the right and if they question it then you can tell them you're entitled to a bubble.

@Calmandmeasured1

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.

Jealous?

If they have all been isolating and tested, where is the risk?

If you know that what you're doing is legal, don't worry about what the neighbours think. If anyone questions it, you can simple explain.

Just do it.

Say the neighbours do call the police

And then the police turn up (doubtful) you would say ‘we’re a support bubble’

and they would say ‘Merry Christmas’.

Thats fantastic you can get tested then and will be even more reassuring for you both. I would defo link up with your parents in that circumstances.