Is this breaking the rules?

It sounds innocent and well handled to me but you are right it is breaking the rules because it’s not just about distance is it it s about touching things too
We have all been asked not to go to each other houses or gardens I have a daughter up the road but she stays at the gate when she brings me any shopping and we haven’t been in each other’s houses or gardens for three weeks now
What happens if the baby put its arms out to cone to you and you have to turn it away
You will have to look clearly and see what your conscience says
I wouldn’t, but others might disagree

I'm afraid Bluebell is right. What you did may be fine, but is it so very different from having a family BBQ - all distancing of course. But then some families may have a drink or two, forget and sit close to someone from another household.

The neighbours kids may then think if it's ok for you then they can have their mates round.

Sorry Bonnie it's a no-no.

I feel a bit guilty because my daughter who is a single mum only lives a mile away and has brought shopping for us and sat in the garden and had a cup of tea talking to us through the conservatory. I am worried that a neighbour may shop us but surely this is allowed? My husband makes sure I keep well back and he sterilises their cups afterwards.

I couldn’t do it . My youngest DGD is 23 months old and we are very close . She’s used to seeing me twice, three or more times a week . How on earth could I sit metres away from her ? It breaks my heart .

Bluebelle is right - households shouldn’t be mixing for all the reasons given.

People seem very hung up on *the rules*There’s a simple principle.

The more we mix, the more the virus will spread. The more it spreads the more people will die. Only mix when you have no alternative.

Does that help you to make a decision?

I have a similar scenario but without delightful little GC. I'm not sure.

Eg, of course you are correct but we are human , not automata.

Personally I find nothing wrong with socialising outside on your own property at a good distance. The important thing is whether this is food delivery because you are self-isolating or a social visit. Food delivery is allowed, and whether they stay a bit longer after delivering your food is between you and your conscience. I see nothing wrong with that.
If people just go driving around visiting relatives then that is against the rules.

I think the problem is what if everybody did this?

Nobody is special so it is better that we all stick to the rules.

We share a communal garden with our neighbours. We sit outside and chat making sure we're at least 2m apart. I can't see how that's much different provided your family don't have to travel too far.

It is breaking the rules, you risk a disgruntled neighbour shopping you and that risks this situation going on and on. I drove past my DD house today and chose not to stop and wave at my DGS through the window as it would break my heart not to scoop him up and kiss him, I chose to stay away and if everyone could do that this sorry situation could be over sooner.

Today our son brought us some food and set it at the back door. He stepped back up the drive. Two dgc age 12 and 11 stood up the drive. We talked for about 10 minutes at about 10 ft apart. No drinks. No sitting down. And off they went with air kisses. Really safe.

I didn’t think we were breaking any rules but now not sure.

Is the disgruntled neighbour a member of the Stasi?

If anyone in the group has the virus but is currently asymptomatic then they will be spreading the virus - on things they touch, in coughs or sneezes (there’s some evidence from lab tests that this could be 6m and not 2) and so on. The guidelines about not mixing households really are there for a reason - difficult though it may be it’s only for a short period of time and it’s just not worth the risk for a couple of hours and a cup of coffee. My sister is in her forties, fit and healthy, and very, very fortunately recovering from a mild case of covid - 2 weeks on and she’s still exhausted and short of breath. She said she wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Just don’t do it, it could have a tragic outcome.

The less time you spend near other people the better. Whatever the rules, just lets get through this and then life can return to normal. It is this constant attempt to bend and break rules that is going to extend our lockdown period, putting many people out of business and killing many many more people.

Just imagine how you would feel if you infected THEM. How would you feel if you gave it to your GCs and one of them DIED? Just because you're older and 'vulnerable' doesn't mean they aren't vulnerable too.
Better to miss them for a month or two than to miss them for the rest of your life! So NO - stay away - that's the best way to show you love them.

Rules have a spirit and a letter. Look at the purpose of the rules, the purpose of the rules is to stop Covid-19 spreading by minimising contact between people.

On that basis, you would be within the letter of the law, but then you need to look at the spirit of the law, which is to minimise the opportunity of the virus spreading and while one family doing what you are thinking of doing would be unlikely to spread the virus, you need to think what effect hundreds or thousands of families doing what you are thinking of doing and it becomes a avery different matter and I think for that reason, the meeting you plan would be going completely counter to the whole meaning and spirit of the regulations.

Members of my family, every day put their lives on the line to care for people who thought they were safe following the rules

The rules are not a definite safety net. They are the best that can be advised whilst allowing absolutely necessary things to happen like getting food, medicine, taking enough exercise to keep you healthy. Every social contact carries a risk.

People still think it won’t happen to them.

Thank you folks. I appreciate you advice. I felt a bit uncomfortable about it which was why I posted. It is killing me not cuddling the baby but I haven't. It's also hard because my daughter is pregnant again and I cant give her practical support. New baby due in September so hopefully things will be better by then and something wonderful to look forward too!

If she’s pregnant then she’s in the at risk category, isn’t she? []https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-51703892]] All the more reason not to do it.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-51703892

Wonderful, uplifting news but a really important reason to stick firmly to the rules and make sure your daughter stays super safe.

Team no

I'd say absolutely not........households mixing at one another's homes, even if staying the recommended distance, is against the rules, I believe. I too would love to see my GC, but have had to make do with a Skype session every weekend, because I truly believe that the more we avoid any social contact, the quicker this will all be over and we can be reunited with our loved ones sooner rather than later. I feel for you, I truly do, but just not worth the risk.