Valentines

[User133847]

I see there's concerns this is going to cause another spike, as loads will bypass restrictions to go on dates this weekend.

Surely this can't cause that much of another wave of infection with everything shut, even if it does increase household mixing. I can't see this having the same repercussions as Christmas Day for example.

I wouldnt have thought so. Compared to christmas, very few people celebrate valentine's day and the majority already live with or see their partners. It's not going to be big family gathering, just 2 people here and there.
Also it's not like people can "go on dates" to the cinema, meals out etc. so worst case it will be someone having their partner round for dinner. I'm really not concerned.

Where can anyone go on a date to though? Everything is shut!

Champagne and chocolates in the snow :)

There's nowhere to go and by the nature of the celebration it does tend to only be for two people (admittedly they won't be distancing!!!) also, most people who want to be together on Valentine's have probably already spent time together. I'm not too worried.

Minus degrees. Everywhere is closed. Couples will have likely been seeing each other anyway.

No, schools going back on the 8th is higher risk.

High numbers of arrivals from overseas this week before hotel quarantine start is higher risk.

Minus degrees. Everywhere is closed. Couples will have likely been seeing each other anyway.

Exactly.

I’d have thought most couples who would bother to celebrate Valentine’s Day (we don’t) are already seeing each other regularly.

I can't imagine that people who will break the rule to do something on Valentine's day haven't been breaking the same rule throughout. It's not really that big of a deal.

I imagine most couples live together, or if they both live as single people, are able to form a support bubble.

People won't suddenly break the rules for one single day to see their significant other / fuck buddy, they'll have been doing it all along or as above.

I very much doubt cases will go up. Most couples have probably already been seeing each other or could even be bubbled together already so shouldn’t make a difference.

I think older teens might be the issue here - not cohabiting, unable to form bubbles (as not living alone), not seeing each other at school, occasionally abusing the exercise concession to see each other (and probably not distance)

and all at it this weekend

In comparison to all children, teachers and support staff going back to school in a few weeks - plus the additional people on public transport that entails - a few teenagers meeting up this weekend is a drop in the ocean.

After a year me of this me and my partner need time apart frankly, not sharing some fake "romantic" evening!