The new rules for coronavirus - how will it affect your family?

What does annoy me is that all 4countries in UK can't all have same rules and I do think Scottish way of new rules is better but whatever rules there are some will still ignore them I have passed hairdressers and barbers with no masks to be seen. We always stop and stand to one side and in single file but most of people coming towards us stay side by side and continue chatting whilst not even trying to social distance some people just don't seem to get it!!! We can't see son &family cos they have 3children but will hopefully see them soon we must stick to rules of this will never end ?

The new laws will not have a great impact on me personally as we have had very little contact with anyone else throughout this awful pandemic. Our household is just my better half & I (+ 2 cats); I have been shielded and he has had limited contact with others and was wearing a face mask and gloves to do shopping and fill up with petrol as soon as we became aware of the possibility of Coronavirus coming to Britain - long before the government started giving advice or issuing guidelines. My better half and his business partner did not work from about end of February/beginning of March until about the start of August; this almost bankrupted the business they have worked bloody hard on for more than a decade. Even now they are back working it is just the 2 of them, outdoors, not taking any jobs that involve going through people's houses or accepting food or drink from anyone. Discussions with customers take place online or from a 2-metre+ distance and payments are all online - they are being as careful as possible and his business partner is the only other person who has been in our home this year (he was isolated with just his parents in their home for the previous 4 months or so).

We have no plans to gather in larger groups or to go anywhere like pubs or restaurants. We have no school-age children. We shall continue to observe all the precautions we've been taking like lots of hand-washing (they have hand sanitisers/gels, masks & gloves while at work or when shopping - sometimes have access to outside taps and keep a 2-litre container of water in the truck for emergencies). We are still setting shopping down in a pre-wiped spot, wiping everything down or 'de-camping' products into tupperware boxes, bowls, containers or glass jars etc then wiping sides down, wiping bags used and the spot on the floor they were set on - we have a bowl of hot water with a few drops of disinfectant and wash hands several times before, during and after the unpacking process. We realise risk cannot be completely eliminated (this was highlighted even more after seeing a couple of programmes where they sent scientists to test for germs/possible sources of CV19 after very pristine households had cleaned and shopped - they found loads of sources and our house is nowhere near as clean and tidy as those properties were!) We just do what we can to reduce risk factors e.g. I've taken to going round with bleach and disinfectant to wipe down things like light switches, plug sockets, door handles, front door hardware like keyholes and the letterbox (don't want to put postman as risk as he has delivered mail as normal throughout), catflap, light-pulls and as well as cleaning the loo regularly I frequently bleach around the flush button and all taps. We change towels, tea-towels, flannels and cleaning cloths at least daily and if we need to use a clean tea-towel or cloth to dry washed fruit/veg etc it goes straight in the wash afterwards - the extra washing hasn't made a great deal of difference overall. My health problems mean I can't do much, but if I can manage to do extra bits I'll clean the fridge or something. I have difficulty breathing but managed OK with a face mask the one and only time I've been in a shop this year (luckily there were only a couple of other customers and they and the staff also wore masks and kept a respectful distance - in fact everyone was very polite, courteous, careful - it was nice to see social responsibility in action after reading about so many horror stories and seeing all the twats on TV!)

I am a little worried about restrictions getting tighter but more for people like my better half who could lose their businesses if unable to work, for families already on the brink of survival, for those finding it increasingly difficult to manage financially, or with physical health or mental health problems. I have deferred several hospital appointments as I am fearful of going anywhere or having needless risk factors - unless my breathing is so bad it becomes life-threatening again I will not be calling paramedics or going to hospital. I also have a loose tooth and a bit of discomfort but won't ring the dentist unless I absolutely have to. I read so many sad stories that I do wonder how many of us will come out of this pandemic, and how many of those that make it will be unscathed, as such - it seems nearly everyone is affected in one way or another and some families have been hit harder than others. One of our neighbours who has also been shielding is currently aware of 5 friends or family lost to Coronavirus. My beloved aunt died at the end of May and we couldn't even attend her funeral; at least a few of her closer family were there - I know many in Britain and other parts of the world had no service at all, no mourners, nothing but maybe an urn of ashes to collect at a later date. It is hard to be thankful in these times, hard not to see that some people seem to have it a lot easier than others e.g are rich enough not to have to work or worry about mortgages, purchases etc, that have 'land' or big gardens, family around them, whereas others live alone, have no money or access to safe gardens, or are stuck in flats with children or relatives with special needs, health problems, are carers for their loved ones or nursing those with chronic or terminal illnesses. (My better half has said how tough he finds it trying to look after me while keeping me as protected as he can, juggling his conscience with every job request as he weighs up risk factors, not seeing his vulnerable parents for the best part of a year - he also has a terminally ill friend that he is unable to help with anything but a bit of online moral support whereas under normal circumstances he would visit and do what he could to help while there)

Another worry I have with tightening restrictions is for out local animal rescue (and similar charities, wildlife parks, zoos etc) - they have been operating without the army of volunteers that normally assist them and with everybody having to tighten the reins on personal budgets the rescue has had fewer donations - therefore less more to care for the same amount of animals and knowing the chances of being asked to rescue more animals increase as people struggle more. I've been giving a small donation as often as I can and just hope others do the same - it must be horrible to have that sort of responsibility let alone trying to finance it in the current climate.

Has anyone mentioned expats? My children and families are all expats in different countries. They were not able to come in August as usual, and now it looks as if Christmas will be cancelled. I have not seen any of them since last Christmas. Zoom is great but the hugs are not as good!

Did I just hear on the radio 4 news that the rule if six does not apply to children under 12 ?

Sorry I see that has been discussed already and only applies in Scotland.........

We were going to have a family celebration for DGD ‘s 5th birthday and eldest GD’s going away to uni . There would be 15 of us so we have to cancel. We could do it this weekend but some people are busy and have commitments, so no go. What a shame!

That's a shame Gingsterthat you couldn't reschedule to the weekend. I imagine though, that as with previous announcements, this will mean it's party central this weekend for loads of people. There will be lots of gatherings of up to 30 just to get in before the deadline. Why they don't just announce these limits with effect from 8pm that evening I don't know. Budget tax changes on petrol always seemed to be able to come into force at 6pm on budget day.

When restrictions were brought in quickly in my local area people complained that relatives were on their way/already there/had already arranged transport/bought food/someone even complained that they'd bought a new outfit that thry now couldn't wear.

Damned whatever you do?

We are very fortunate in that there are only 5 in our little family bubble DD SIL DGD me and DDs MIL. We are going to Wales in a couple of weeks so we should be OK in a cottage.
I did have 2 celebrations coming up 1 for a 40th birthday and another for a colleagues leaving do. I won't be going to those now. I was one of the Shielded Group so I will not risk catching it after all the stress of being locked down.

Don’t often have as many as 6 except birthday parties with the family but we can’t do that anyway as my elderly parents are still shielding and I’m too scared to see my DD and 2 grandchildren since they’ve gone back school.

Illte

When restrictions were brought in quickly in my local area people complained that relatives were on their way/already there/had already arranged transport/bought food/someone even complained that they'd bought a new outfit that thry now couldn't wear.

Damned whatever you do?

Totally agree Illte I was just going to post the exact same thing

Illte

When restrictions were brought in quickly in my local area people complained that relatives were on their way/already there/had already arranged transport/bought food/someone even complained that they'd bought a new outfit that thry now couldn't wear.

Damned whatever you do?

I suppose they are damned whatever. I see it from policeman son's point of view. When they announced the pub closures it was horrendous with the amount of boozing for hours, violence, drunken brawls etc Not just for the police either but NHS too. He said they should have waited until the pubs closed then announced that was it, they wouldn't be reopening. There are always going to be losers whenever it takes effect.

Our little family luckily is 5 so won't affect us. I don't agree that it's young people causing the rise, I know lots of older adults flouting the rules too

Yes, Clevedon, lots of older folk saying they'll 'take their chances' (and endanger others too) - as if the rules don't apply to them!

Clarebear, I feel I have every right to be 'judgemental' in these circumstances. It's not merely a matter of personal choice. It's not OK to bend the rules!

Basically I cannot see all my family at once - only just started meeting with my son in his house and my daughter in hers. Not hugged my grandchildren for over 6 months. None of them have been in my house for 6 months, although there was visit in the garden in June - son and grandson first, and my daughter and grand daughter the following day. We have been abiding by all the rules and I am annoyed that those who haven’t have spoiled it for the rest of us.

We thought we might be in a bubble with family who live nearby, but our area has tighter lockdown restrictions anyway, and everyone is really cautious, the latest restrictions have made things odd, watching people congregate at a pub, but not being able to be with family. Just feel that there are so many contradictions within the new advice. I feel it's got to be either All or Nothing.

Agree with annab275 We have been really carefjul and followed the guidelines, but seen others flouting them and enjoying themselves, now really annoyed that they have spoiled it for all of us, and possibly worse.

We are unhappy as it means we cannot meet Altogether as a family, as we Number 10, and so it means we have to choose which of our children can visit us

Our U3A walks were due to resume minus any pub or refreshment stops, however, we dont know if these now contravene the new rules. Usually there are ten to fifteen walkers aged between 60 and 85. The U3A art group was going to paint out of doors at least until it got cold, but that also comprises between eight and twelve people.

Yoga and Pilates classes were due to start next week in church halls. It has taken the whole summer to put the arrangements in place with the venues. Not sure if this is counted as 'gym' activity. They are private classes not attached to a gym.

Furret

How will it affect us? It means we can only see one side of our family at a time, so those small family gatherings of 10 which I hosted every year eg, birthdays, Christmas are either out of the question or illegal.

It is all so unnecessary, because had this bunch of blithering idiots got their act together this could have and should have been contained.

I agree with you Furret.

It could have been thought out better. I like Scotland’s idea. Their rule of 2 households up to six doesn’t include children under 10.

I’ve been looking after my 2 DGG since their mum returned to work. Only a couple of days a week. My son DDG dad has worked all throughout lockdown, he’d no option. His partner can’t work from home as she’s in hospitality trade. Our household is 3 ( we have a 10 year old adopted son) so having 2 DDG only takes us to 5, and when we take them home it will only be me taking them in.

Frosty60

Furret

How will it affect us? It means we can only see one side of our family at a time, so those small family gatherings of 10 which I hosted every year eg, birthdays, Christmas are either out of the question or illegal.

It is all so unnecessary, because had this bunch of blithering idiots got their act together this could have and should have been contained.

I agree with you Furret.

It could have been thought out better. I like Scotland’s idea. Their rule of 2 households up to six doesn’t include children under 10.

I’ve been looking after my 2 DGG since their mum returned to work. Only a couple of days a week. My son DDG dad has worked all throughout lockdown, he’d no option. His partner can’t work from home as she’s in hospitality trade. Our household is 3 ( we have a 10 year old adopted son) so having 2 DDG only takes us to 5, and when we take them home it will only be me taking them in.

Got a bit muddled there. It should DGD not DGG or DDG.

Well, I have two sons, married with 2 kids each. We live near to each other, we can walk to each others houses. As a family there would be 10 of us. We get together for lunch most Sundays at one of the houses, we are all very close. It seems I can go the pub or a restaurant. I can go to work in the office, travelling on public transport and then go round the stores in the city. I can go to the hairdressers and beauty salon. I can even go away on holiday, sit on a plane with dozens of strangers as long as I wear a mask. The one thing I can't do is have all my family in my own home or in the garden. As long as I'm either spending money or earning money I can mix with any amount of people. I'm sick to death of this whole thing. I've followed the rules during lockdown, I havent been drinking down the pub or gone on holiday abroad but the one thing we just started doing is now against the law.

Duvetdiva

Probably like the majority of folk on this website we’ve been sensible throughout this unsettling period of time so it upsets me that we are now suffering this new rule of six.
I feel insulted that I’m treated as though I have little common sense.
It would be helpful to know the sources of the increased spreading of the virus then stricter rules could be directed there instead.

Totally agree with you

Oldfogie, likewise we are the same. I agree with Duvetdiva too.

JeannieB44. Our family is exactly in a similar position.