Steam coming out of my ears!

FarNorth, you’re right it is depressing, upsetting and annoying, and I kind of wish she hadn’t told me what they were doing. They are decent folk but I suppose they are not the sharpest pencils in the box. I wouldn’t report them though, but having had the virus twice, you would think they would realise how dangerous it is, but they seem to look for loopholes that they think will allow them more than they should have. She meets their daughter for coffee (daughter is tier 2) last week daughter went to tier 3 for food shopping (essential - because tier 2 doesn’t have any supermarkets do they?! Yes we do, plenty!) This week, their daughter had to go to tier 3 for repeat prescription (which is entirely possible, but a bit suspect) and so they met once again for coffee. They will probably be fine, but I still think it’s so wrong. Must be the way I was brought up, to not break the law.

I expect that, if they've recovered from the virus, they believe it's not so bad and they don't need to worry.
Very foolish, imo.

To those saying Don't think about it - it's depressing to find that someone you liked is taking foolish risks that could also harm others.

My understanding is that in England, while being advised not to travel into another tier is not advisable, it is not illegal. Am I mistaken?

If disapproving of lawbreakers is being smug, then I’m smug as well.

That's really not what I said or implied, but never mind.

They are lucky to be alive having had COVID and considering their ages. Our tiers in Scotland are clearly defined and your friends should be obeying the restrictions for everyone’s sake. Shame on them. That’s exactly what the advert is about - if everyone bends the rules to suit themselves, it will take much longer to control the virus especially now when we are in winter and the hospitals are pressed for space. It’s a worrying trend and Christmas will aggravate the situation further. If disapproving of lawbreakers is being smug, then I’m smug as well.

I can see why you're displeased but I really would avoid falling out with them. One day Covid will be gone and you will wish to still be friends with them perhaps.

You can’t do anything about how other people behave, unless you report them to the authorities, you can only control your own behaviour. I wouldn’t waste any time on thinking about them, tbh.

Oh not at all Doodledog. In fact when I heard, I actually wished that we were still in level 3 so that I could go there to shop. Not smug at all. I do worry that people just don’t do what they’re told! There are many many more chiropodists/tyre centres in their level 3 than in our smaller council area. Yes maybe they prefer coming over but there are lots of places that I’d like to go just now but won’t, because I desperately want to see the end of this virus. We all need to play our part.

I think that's all you can do. I haven't been anywhere since March, and will continue to stay indoors until I feel it is safe.

As far as your friends are concerned, I can understand why some people feel that the rules are pointless, as in Scotland people in their level can travel to other levels for essential shopping, work, eduction, visiting family, caring responsibilities healthcare and outdoor exercise. Chiropody will presumably come under healthcare, and if their car is in need of repair, a garage visit could be argued to be essential if they want continuity or if the car is still under guarantee.

You may not have meant it this way, but it comes over as though you are feeling quite smug about being in a 'better' area, and want to feel the benefits of this, which you can only do if others are denied the chance to do the things that those in your level are allowed (exclusions notwithstanding).

Parsley3, I will not be going anywhere near them until I feel it is safe!

Doodledog, they actually live a 20 - 25 minute drive away from here but they like our town. When we have met we have driven and met halfway which I won’t do now as that’d take me into their tier. I have heard that £60 fines have been given to “trespassers” so that is another reason not to. I know we have met them but I know that they have also met with quite a few others. There is a reason why their area has remained in a higher tier. Our figures have reduced and theirs haven’t!

I am not surprised that they have both had the virus if they are so cavalier about following guidance. They should not be travelling across tiers and the best you can do is to stay well away from them.

This is the trouble with tiers and levels, though.

If you felt safe to meet your friend before, why does it matter now that you are in a 'better' level than she is? She is no more or less likely to have the virus than before her area was designated as 'worse' than yours.

I'm guessing she lives nearby, and not a long way off? If they had made appointments with the garage and chiropodist before, then they must find it more convenient to go to those ones, or have another reason for doing so. An arbitrary line drawn around an area won't take account of things like that, and there are times when travelling for a particular service within one's own 'zone' will take longer and be further than to travel across the 'border' to another one.