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Original poster

Is everyone still following the rules?

165 replies

doireallyneedaname · 05/02/2021 15:53

We have been since March. Over the top, my partner would say. Nobody we know has been, apart from the odd CEV friend.

I’m at the end of my tether though. Partner wants one year old to be able to see the family. I have refused for months, and before that it was the odd fleeting visit outside. He says we are the danger to his parents, not them to us - but in reality we don’t see anyone or do anything and they are still working etc, so despite their age - we are not the danger.

Still, I’m tempted to visit. I just don’t know anymore.

Is anyone following the rules 100%? I should add I have stuck to them for fear of Covid, but again I’m told I’m overly cautious being in my early 30’s.

OP posts:
ChocChipPancake · 05/02/2021 16:01

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on OP's request.

Lemons1571 · 05/02/2021 16:02

We are. But then we don’t have anything we are desperate to do (my remaining parent lives on their own so can support bubble with us). Everything is closed to nowhere to go. Wfh. So tbh there aren’t any ways available to us that create the dilemma of whether to break the rules.

tatutata · 05/02/2021 16:08

Yeah. Not really much option.

Lobelia76 · 05/02/2021 16:09

Yes, we all are. I don't know anyone who isn't to be honest

Meredithgrey1 · 05/02/2021 16:12

We just had a plumber in to do some work for us and he was saying that the vast majority of people that he goes to don’t care, don’t wear masks when he’s there, they don’t ask him to wear one, don’t seem be overly fussed about keeping a distance etc. He wasn’t complaining, it came across that he was happy to do whatever was asked but wasn’t bothered either way.
I’m aware it might be a slightly self selecting sample because people who are really worried won’t be having work done, but ours was emergency work and no one can avoid that so I thought it was interesting that he said that there’s hardly ever any difference between the way he works now, and the way he worked pre-covid.

It made me wonder, realistically how many people who aren’t concerned about being within 2m of a plumber who they don’t know, and who goes to multiple people’s houses, would be sticking to 2m when it comes to their own family (once we can see them).

LilyPond2 · 05/02/2021 16:12

We are. Didn't they introduce some kind of rule to allow families with a baby to bubble with another family?

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 05/02/2021 16:13

Yes we are .

nordica · 05/02/2021 16:13

Yes, I am. It's easy for me to do because I was working from home and shopping online pre-pandemic too and don't have kids.

All my close friends are, too.

It feels like we are so close to getting back to "normal" now that it wouldn't make sense to start taking risks at this point anyway.

Shelovesamystery · 05/02/2021 16:13

No and I don't know anyone that is. I don't know anyone who is CEV though. Nobody is having house parties or going to raves or anything ridiculous but just seeing a friend or two, close family and kids going to the park with friends.

Flower234 · 05/02/2021 16:13

I'm seeing my partner when I technically shouldn't (I live in house-share with a couple, him with adult DC) but that's a new development and quite frankly I'm so lonely and miserable now (people in houseshares exist, even if the gov forget, and I don't interact with the people I live with. I haven't seen this week and it's Friday!)

I also take multiple walks a day, one in the morning and one at night to help me sleep.

Seeing my partner was something I didn't do for months and it seems crazy I stuck to it. Now most vulnerable are being vaccinated and cases are down, I feel fine doing it. When cases were at 60,000 a day I wouldn't have considered it.

LolaSmiles · 05/02/2021 16:14

We are and it's driving me mad, but I want to see family and want life to get back to normal.
The only way i can see that happening is if we get more people vaccinated and keep case numbers down.

Fuckadoodledoooo · 05/02/2021 16:15

We are. We don't go anywhere (not that we did anyway really).

Same boat as you with PIL though. They are always out and about, meeting friends. As soon as they could last summer they were booking hotels all over for every weekend. I was pregnant and in hospital weekly so we didn't set foot outside the house - they were far more risk to me.

Flower234 · 05/02/2021 16:16

Another factor in my seeing my partner has also been mental health- I was suicidal in the November lockdown (I have multiple MH disorders, now on medication) and I don't want to end up there again.

StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind · 05/02/2021 16:18

@Flower234 whether it's in the rules or not I don't think there is anything morally wrong whatsoever with you seeing your partner. I hope you're feeling better now.

DavidsSchitt · 05/02/2021 16:19

Was the baby under 1 on 2nd December and if so why haven't you created a bubble?

We're following the rules still, yes

LST · 05/02/2021 16:20

Not seeing friends or leaving the house apart from walking the dog. But I am seeing my parents and my nan (who is in my parents support bubble). We all live a 2 min walk away from each other.

Flower234 · 05/02/2021 16:22

Strawberry- thank you. I got diagnosed right as the pandemic started so was floating around for a bit, then the second lockdown really got to me. However I've now got help and medication and feel much better and positive.

LilyPond2 · 05/02/2021 16:23

Have just checked the guidance and it says in England you can form a support bubble if your baby was under one on 2 December 2020.

Original poster
doireallyneedaname · 05/02/2021 16:24

I know we can have a bubble as he’s not yet 1, he turns 1 in a month - but like I say the worry for me is covid, not “rule breaking” - so it we bubbled with the in laws who are still working, then we are putting ourselves at risk. My partner doesn’t agree with me though, I’m totally alone with the fear.

OP posts:
OverTheRainbow88 · 05/02/2021 16:24

You can form a support bubble with a baby.

Hmmm yes following most the rules, don’t see anyone inside, don’t attend parties, food shop once a week ( I know that isn’t actually a rule) etc.

Do go out twice a day maybe more for fresh air and for kids to play. Meet friends and their kids in playgrounds most days when not working. My parents are my kids outside but not for childcare purposes but for social contact with each other

Go into a siblings garden so our kids toddle about together.

Flippyferloppy · 05/02/2021 16:24

We are but so many people are not. Earlier this week, 60% of my husband's team was at the office. They are supposed to be working from home 100%. People keep asking if they can come round to the house. DH found out today that one of his friends kept working while he had Covid. Neighbours have a house full of builders (no distancing, no masks). I just want to scream at them all.

Do they not see that they are just dragging this out for everyone? It is because of people thinking the rules don't apply to them that the figures are so shit. My family is in Australia, I feel like I will never get to see them again.

I do not deny that there are legitimate reasons for breaking the rules (there was a post on here earlier today where the OP had hugged a suicidal friend, and I think she was absolutely right to do so).

Mrsmummy90 · 05/02/2021 16:26

I have a child under 2 so am in a support bubble with my parents as they help with childcare. I see them on a regular basis.
I don't see friends or any other family members.

testingtesting321 · 05/02/2021 16:27

We are. I work for the NHS so still have to go into work and the only other things I do are go to the supermarket and go for walks. That’s it.

joanneg36 · 05/02/2021 16:29

We aren't in relation to exact number of people seen outdoors. e.g. tomorrow we are going for a walk with a couple. But otherwise we are.

Turnedouttoes · 05/02/2021 16:29

Yes but I know so many people who are not and it’s very frustrating. The world and his dog seem to have a reason why it’s okay for them to bend the rules.
DPs best friend for example lives at home as does his girlfriend. He still goes over to see her every evening because of course they can’t be expected to not see each other Hmm Also ignoring the fact that he lives with his mum who still sees her nieces daily so actually at least 3 households mixing.

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