Got a question regarding self isolation and covid-19

[Jeffrey Forward]

Hello all,
I have a question and hope someone can help me.
I'm 48 and have type 2 (diet controlled), I'm working from home at the moment for safety.
Well last night (17/03/2020) my son (22) decided to go to the pub, so you think he was being selfish wanting to go to the pub or was I being a bit sensitive to the current state of affairs with regards to Covid-19?
I just don't think he should have the right to put me at risk for his own selfish needs, we had a blazing argument regarding this issue, and what annoyed me, is the fact his firm said he could work from home because he lives with a type 2 diabetic.

 

[Tee G]

Hi Jeffrey. I can understand your anger. I would be cross too if my two lads did that. (thankfully they have both left home now and have their own kin to fret over) ....A lot of young people think they are invincible and immortal at that age! When things calm down, take the opportunity to sit quietly and try to explain the severity and consequences of this pandemic - after all its not Dad telling him he cant go mixing with his mates, its the government!. We have all been told to keep safe distace from crowded places - and for good reason. I wonder if it would help if he read a few of the personal experiences that are online, of those who have come through it. It makes for sober reading!

I think you really need to impress upon him the need to keep hands/clothes/footwear clean - when out and returning home, more than usual (again, another thing youngsters dont always appreciate). But hes young and foolish and a good time is always had with drinking mates. But yes, these are serious times and with something like a virus, we just never know 'whos next' -

Im sure when the Police are given extra powers to question or fine those out and about or the army are brought onto the streets, he will realise then what its all about! I wish you well and hope things calm down quickly and mutual understanding and agreement is reached in your household.

 

[Jeffrey Forward]

Thanks for that, I also forgot to add, my mum (his nan) who is 84 is in a care home at the moment after having surgery on her hip. She is very fragile at the moment and waiting to have a second opp.
8 years ago she had a brain tumour and is very forgetful, I just don't want to put her at risk and don't want to have to stay away longer then I have to, otherwise she will think I've abandoned her.
She is also a type 2 diabetic.
Because with three of us in the house I could have to stay away for over six weeks.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you have had this experience @Jeffrey Forward

I can understand why you were upset - while the ‘social distancing’ advice to avoid unnecessary social contact is primarily aimed at the at risk groups at the moment, if someone else in your household contracts the virus it does make it much harder for you to avoid it. Having said that, I walked the dog early evening, and passed several pubs which would normally be buzzing, but only had 2 or 3 people in each.

I hope you can have a more open conversation to explain how you felt, and your worries, once your anger has calmed.

 

[Kaylz]

My OH went to the pub last night to play darts and also gets the bus to and from work, hes asthmatic me the diabetic but I cant stop him going out it that's what he wants, my grandad wont stay in and hes turning 88 this year but if he doesn't want to we cant force him as it's not fair on him