Last night, the Boris Johnson announced new, extreme lockdown measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But even before they came into force, the government's advice surrounding COVID-19 was pretty clear. If you or someone in your household has symptoms (a cough, a fever) isolate for 14 days. If you don't have symptoms, avoid going out as much as possible and exercise social distancing. If you're in a vulnerable group (over the age of 70, younger people with chronic illness, pregnant women) you will be contacted by the NHS and you should definitely avoid going out (that includes the pub, Doris).
In fact, the Chief Medical Officer's exact words were that it's "absolutely critical" these vulnerable groups follow the advice. So why, then, were so many young people having such a struggle trying to keep their aged parents and grandparents indoors?
In a bizarre twist of fate, the roles appeared to have reversed in that it was the children (grown up as they are) attempting to ground their parents, keeping them inside the house where their risk of contracting coronavirus is minimised. But the 'adults' just weren't listening.
Over on Twitter, after author Laura James shared her frustrations about her "badly behaved" parents, people started sharing some of the most ridiculous excuses their elderly loved ones have made in a bid to ignore the coronavirus advice that's been issued for their safety. And, well, you've almost got to laugh at some of them. It's no surprise the government have implemented these rules as mandatory, really...
1. "My mum went out yesterday to shops. Workman putting up temporary bus stop says to her that she shouldn’t be out. Her response was that she wasn’t in risk group as it was for over 70’s and she is over 80. Never argue with a red headed Scots woman." [Via]
2. "Friend’s mum: What do you mean 'where’s your dad?' He’s fine at the pub, he’s not 65 til August." [Via]
Everyone's clicking on...
3. "I quote: 'Well, I've got to die of something, haven't I?'" [Via]
4. "89 year old mum being treated for cancer, independent as hell. Spoke to her on Thursday eve to say how serious the situation is, she agreed and then....went to shopping centre next morning. I was told that she 'doesn’t shop in the busy area!'" [Via]
5. "My mum last night: 'I’ve had the flu jab'." [Via]
6. "My dippy Aunt is in full lockdown... 'Apart from the garden centre. Garden centres are ok aren't they? They’re all plants'." [Via]
7. "My father-in-law, 83, is not interested in self-isolation because 'the coronavirus only kills old people'." [Via]
8. "My Dad (late 70s) lasted 4 hours, then I quote: 'I’m off to the pub as no one gets in now anyway, and you can't say anything as you’ve never done as you're told'." [Via]
Hopefully now they'll listen...
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Cat is Cosmopolitan UK's features editor covering women's issues, health and current affairs. news, features and health. The route to her heart is a simple combination of pasta and cheese (somewhat ironic considering the whole health writing thing), and she finds it difficult to commit to TV series so currently has about 14 different ones on the go.
