The new rules are hard but if we knuckle down we can get through this

The new government regulations are likely to be tough, especially for grandparents with larger families. Unless they’re already in a support bubble, it will now be more challenging for them all to get together, and just when it seemed things were getting back to a sense of normality too.

This “rule of six” for social gatherings applies to people meeting indoors and outdoors and from private households. That means if you are a couple with three children, only one grandparent will be able to visit at a time. If you are a couple with two children only one set of grandparents will be able to see you at any one time.

These are the biggest tightening of rules since lockdown began. Case numbers are on the rise again, which are highly likely related to social events and gatherings. These rules, which come in from Monday, might be an effective and measured way to get the message over to keep everyone safe and to protect our beloved NHS.

I have been lucky but I know that many older people have had it tough during lockdown and I really feel for them. Hugs and kisses may be off the table for a while, and family celebrations will likely be cancelled for the time being. It is going to be hard and it’s safe to say we are all getting fed up with the pandemic but it is time for us oldies to behave responsibly. I am sure younger people will do their bit too. We are all in this together and the quicker people follow the rules and be extra cautious, the quicker we might see the case numbers drop again. It’s so important to keep hospital admissions low and save lives and then we may see these new ruled eased.

I have found it especially heartbreaking to hear about all the care home residents who have not seen their loved ones for months. Some care homes are managing to organise safe visiting but many aren’t, so it’s up to Government to step in and ensure everyone living in a care home can keep in touch with those they hold most dear. They can do that by helping every home to learn from the example set by the best and by funding the extra precautions homes need to make to keep visiting safe. Of course we have to keep older people in care homes away from the virus, but we also have to give them a reason to be cheerful and hopeful, and for many seeing their loved ones is what keeps them going.

We are all in this together and with solidarity and consideration to all, we can get through this and come out the other end still smiling. Remember it’s vital to check in on older neighbours who live alone, or may not have family who ensure that they are OK.