I am very cross - a corona virus story.

Can't she (or you for her) rent a caravan/flatlet for a couple of weeks (at the VERY least) - she needs to be in quarantine.

Why don’t you get in touch with your GP, and ask what they would advise. I think you know what the answer would be. This reminds me of the scenario in “ The Sound of Music “, when the youngest child asks Maria if this would be a good time to sing about our favourite things, whilst hiding from the Germans. Maria says NO, this is the complete wrong time, or words to that effect. It’s the same here, there’s so many times you could offer this service to your cousin, BUT NOT THIS TIME. Gagalo’s idea may work, but it’s a risk, because she’s still got to leave her isolation place, and get to you. Look after yourself, this is serious. She’s an adult and not your responsibility. Keep safe.

@Hithere....I agree.

I know she’s the ops daughter and so do all the other posters who’ve mentioned the dd. The dd is cross with the op about wanting to host the cousin. So the dd must be upset about it all for the obvious reasons. So When why don’t you try reading posts properly yourself instead of jumping in on me alone and being so bloody patronising?

I know she’s not of course - should proof read

Sorry endless completely wrong to take up GPs time- unlikely she’d get through the receptionist anyway ( and quite right too) GP practices are incredibly busy at the moment - the OP knows what she should do

As she will need to self isolate for 14 days returning to UK I would let her find some where to stay. She was wrong to do what she did, it's now upto her and not you to put yourself at risk.

I’m not talking about taking up the GP’s time Suzie, just ask the question over the phone. The receptionist would probably deal with it.

If you are can't deal with this problem, ask your DD to contact your cousin and explain that you are self isolating, as per government rules, and therefore unable to help out with accommodation (if you are over 70 you're covered for months). Don't leave it until it's too late and cousin has returned.

Put an official looking notice on the door when she is expected back, saying the occupier has been put under strict isolation orders! Do not have this woman back over your doorstep. She ignored everyone’s advice especially yours. She disobeyed the law & Gatwick were wrong to let her fly.
Do not feel guilty at all, you put her up and therefore kept your promise. Phone Gatwick and tell them you cannot have her back because of self isolation.

Good idea, get your DD, who sounds like a strong person, to contact this cousin and tell her not to come. Go home woman!! If people wo 't be allowed into America soon, she could be with you for a year.
What do you mean, schnackie about retiring to the living room? Surely you are not letting her stay if you only have one bedroom and are letting her use it?

No, dear lady, she will not return to you, because you will refuse to open your door to her and no-one on God's earth can force you to take her in.

If she asked you to chuck yourself off a cliff would you do it? Of course not. This is the equivalent although thinking about it is even worse. There is further risk coming through the airport here, the taxi driver is at risk, you are at risk and she should be self isolating for 14 days. That means exactly that and staying at yours is not self isolating. If you both get the virus that is added pressure on an overburden NHS. DONT DO IT. There must be some policy in place for this situation and your cousin needs to find out what it is. She is a grown woman for Heaven's sake and it's time she acted like one.

How can anybody be so thoughtless and selfish? She really is not your responsibility, but of course you are worried. You and your immediate family are the most important, so I think you should stop all contact with her. If and when she is released she should go back to her own home - not yours because with all her travelling she could be infectious.

I am totally embarrassed and hanging my head, but feel an obligation to let you all know what happened. First of all, Jaxie hit the nail on the head - I had a peripatetic mother and was often terrified of a relative turning us away from shelter. Meanwhile, I also wish to apologise for my anti-American comments. My strong willed and amazing daughter is American and I was commenting on personal opinions. And finally, I called 111 for advice, and believe it or not, their advice is that if neither of us has any symptoms (and no, I have no underlying medical issues) then we don't even need to self - isolate!

Sorry, hit post too soon - so I have let her in, but I am insisting on keeping several metres distance, and yes, I am sleeping in the living room as it is the room I prefer. But thank you all for your concern and wonderful advice, and hilarious comments. I think I am too old now to get my big girl pants on, but I will try and avoid contaminating anyone else.

Perhaps if she approaches customs on arrival they will isolate her as they did with others returnees. But hopefully they will ensure she flies out to the US. Her travel insurance is presumably void now? She has proven herself incapable of making good decisions or of following the rules so you have to turn her away. Good luck and it would be great to hear she is off home which is where she should have gone two weeks ago? Let us know how you get on.

Oh! Now I understand and admire your generosity. ?

OP do not let this woman into your flat

Don't you love your DD enough to grow a back bone?

I hope it works well for you both, and am glad 111 didn’t think it too trivial to deal with.

Oh I posted too late.

Well i hope you remain ok

Can't she go to a hotel and self isolate. Think EasyJet will drop her at Gatwick as that was the start of her journey in the UK. Will the USA Embassy in UK not help sort out her getting back as she will be a citizen surely with healthcare etc. Just say No, she can't stay with you especially with the Covid-19 situation. Totally irresponsible twat she is.

Letting her in overnight totally defeats the purpose of you saying NO. She cannot come to your home at all.

Be firm, Be strong - and make sure your family are there to back you up. She is not your problem.

I wish you hadn't let her in, but I know how hard it is to say no to family. Please, please take extreme precautions and remember the virus lives for hours, possibly days, on surfaces.

I think US citizens are allowed to go home at the moment but I would think it is hard to get a plane.

For heavens sake, Schnakie, just book her into a hotel.
She shouldn’t even be coming into your house.
As others have said. Explain your situation. ie, I am in isolation.
If she doesn’t like it, she can lump it.