Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Help! Should I go to London tomorrow…

38 replies

jumpjackflash · 14/12/2021 23:08

…to see my lovely friend who I haven’t seen in years and who lives abroad (v v far away)? It’s my only chance to see her, BUT

will involve:

  • 1 hour train
  • cab or tube in London
  • drink/food somewhere (hopefully outside)

I had the booster 6 days ago but have 3 young unvaccinated kids and just can’t seem to decide what to do!! If I catch it and mess Christmas up for my family I will feel so bad.

OP posts:
Solasum · 14/12/2021 23:09

Wear a mask, wash your hands, and go

tigerbear · 14/12/2021 23:11

Unless you’re planning to completely lock yourself away between now and Christmas, you’ve got just as much chance catching it anywhere - supermarket, kids school, wherever. I’d go!

dhdislsndh · 14/12/2021 23:11

The rates in London are actually much lower then much of the UK. I would definitely go and just take sensible precautions, I.e handwashing, masks etc

Againstmachine · 14/12/2021 23:12

Go, don't go do we need these posts asking if you should do something.

Make your own decisions.

ChristmasWithBellsOn · 14/12/2021 23:13

I live in London and normally I'd be like 'yes, do it' but I've just taken DD out of school due to an outbreak (50% of her teachers are down).

The actual numbers in London are low, but the risk just before Christmas feels pretty high.

Jjjayfee · 14/12/2021 23:14

I am going out in London for lunch tomorrow. I will mask up for bus, sit near window and enjoy myself.

Lorriestakingppe · 14/12/2021 23:15

Just go, you could catch it anywhere, see your friend!

ChristmasWithBellsOn · 14/12/2021 23:16

I should add....mask coverage on the tube is pretty good, at least 90-95% people that I've observed.

RunnerDown · 14/12/2021 23:21

There were almost 13,000 new cases in London today . Their numbers are up by 31% from last week.
Everyone has their own idea of what level of risk they are prepared to take. I wouldn’t do it your shoes. Not because I was worried about myself but because of the dc.
If you do go wear a proper mask and eat outside

WheelieBinPrincess · 14/12/2021 23:37

Oh for goodness sake.

If you want to go, go, if you don’t, don’t.

Just decide for yourself.

Original poster
jumpjackflash · 14/12/2021 23:42

Thanks everyone. I normally make all decisions by myself quite easily. I just can’t seem to on this one.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 14/12/2021 23:42

Everyone I know with covid at the moment is either a child or has caught it from their child. Based on that you are probably safer having a day out than you are spending a day indoors with the kids!

MrsPleasant · 14/12/2021 23:43

I'm going to start a thread. Help! Should I evacuate from London tomorrow??
What do you think the rest of us do? We aren't sitting here in covid soup drinking covid juice having covid enemas. Use your judgement as suits you, but we really aren't the epicentre of fucking doom.

WheelieBinPrincess · 14/12/2021 23:45

@MrsPleasant

But we live in THE CAPITAL 😱 people have to take THE TUBE when they come here 😱

Seriously, it’s fine. We go about our business just like in. Any. Other. Place.

Original poster
jumpjackflash · 14/12/2021 23:45

Fair enough. Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
SickAndTiredAgain · 14/12/2021 23:48

Are your three kids in school/childcare? Because that seems like the more likely way for covid to be brought home, not by a triple vaccinated adult.

gsaoej · 14/12/2021 23:49

Everyone I know IRL who has had or has currently got covid has got it from a school. I am going to London by train tomorrow. £££ theatre tickets booked. I had covid in Oct, brought home from school by my 13yo.

gsaoej · 14/12/2021 23:49

Oh and I am triple vaccinated.

rrhuth · 14/12/2021 23:50

@dhdislsndh

The rates in London are actually much lower then much of the UK. I would definitely go and just take sensible precautions, I.e handwashing, masks etc
Confused highest Omicron rates in London
dhdislsndh · 15/12/2021 00:27

@rrhuth not everything is about omicron Confused
I'm on about covid more generally. London has consistently had much lower rates than the rest of the UK.

HundredMilesAnHour · 15/12/2021 00:46

@dhdislsndh

The rates in London are actually much lower then much of the UK. I would definitely go and just take sensible precautions, I.e handwashing, masks etc
This is not true. Omicron is now spiking in London and is becoming the dominant strain. Cases are increasing at ridiculous rates of 40% each day.

I live in central London and this is the most nervous I've seen my neighbours / fellow Londoners since the early days of Covid. The streets are MUCH quieter this week. The mood has changed dramatically in the last day or two. People are staying home as much as possible. No-one wants their Christmas ruined (again!). Remember last year Londoners were locked down on Christmas Day and couldn't meet anyone, unlike the rest of the country. No-one wants to risk missing Christmas 2 years in a row. Unfortunately the tourists/out of towners don't seem to care. So no wonder rates are increasing so quickly here.

So I really wouldn't be coming into London right now. There is already talk of London specific measures being introduced.

Plus catch Covid now and seeing people over Christmas is over.

HundredMilesAnHour · 15/12/2021 00:50

[quote dhdislsndh]@rrhuth not everything is about omicron Confused
I'm on about covid more generally. London has consistently had much lower rates than the rest of the UK. [/quote]
Yes because London always gets hit hard first because it's so overpopulated so now Omicron is starting to hit London. My London borough is increasing at more than 50% each day.

Sure, the symptoms are supposed to be mild in most cases but test positive today and that means 10 days before you're cleared to meet friends and family so Christmas is already over.

Snugglybuggly · 15/12/2021 00:56

Yes

NoSquirrels · 15/12/2021 01:13

If I were you I’d go.

But I advised my boss not to earlier so what do I know?

You have to judge your individual circumstance.

If you’ve got 3 young kids and we’re having Christmas at home, then meh. Take a chance.

If you are travelling to family pre-Christmas for a few days, don’t.

It’s not clear cut.

I don’t think it’s London that makes the difference, it’s extra exposure so tube ups it, crowded hospitality venue ups it etc.

CheesyFootballsAreEvil · 15/12/2021 03:24

If I catch it and mess Christmas up for my family I will feel so bad. only you know if its worth it or not. I would treat every interaction you have outside the house as a potential chance of catching covid and judge the value of the trip accordingly.