POLL Do you think it would be SAFE to go over to a relative's house?

[honestone33]

I myself would go, but what do others think?

My wife's sister lives close by, and it's been a couple of weeks since we have seen her. But I would go to her place.

 

[russell_314]

I'm guessing this is a joke right?

 

[honestone33]

I'm guessing this is a joke right?

No. Another thread entitled "Poll Do you think it would be SAFE to go over to a friend's house?" exists, and I am curious if there are any differences.

 

[0388631]

Nope. No point in risking it. Asymptomatic is asymptomatic. The virus doesn't give a toss if it's immediate family or extended or complete strangers.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

No. Another thread entitled "Poll Do you think it would be SAFE to go over to a friend's house?" exists, and I am curious if there are any differences.

Do you think - in the face of how contagious, infectious and lethal this virus (a global pandemic) actually is - that the other similar thread deserves to be taken seriously in any way whatsoever?

Is your thread asking a serious question?

To answer your question: No. It is not "safe", and, even if it is "safe" for you, - which you cannot tell, or judge - it may not be safe for your relatives to have you visit them.

 

[FHoff]

This is exactly why this is not going away soon. People just wont listen.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This is exactly why this is not going away soon. People just wont listen.

Not only will they not listen, they do not wish to listen.

In my experience, whenever anyone posts such a thread, (and amours it further with a poll), they don't want advice, rather, they actually want to hear (or read) a certain - a particular, preferred - outcome.

They do not wish to be advised, instead, they wish for those who respond or reply to confirm them in the wisdom of their preferred course of action.

 

[AustinIllini]

Give me ten minutes to start the "Is it SAFE to go to my mistress's house?"

 

[daimos]

You : hey virus, do not go inside me, i’m a family member.
Virus: ah ok, you’re good.

 

[Sedulous]

Unless you have a reason to go, stay home. That said, I think the reason this is not ending is because very few of us live on a personal island. We continue to depend on others. You get mail... it has passed through machines that handle thousands of other envelopes. You go to the grocery store to buy food that has been sitting in the same air that hundreds of other people are breathing. And it appears this virus can jump to/from animals. That is why I think UNTIL herd immunity is established, this simply is not going away. That still does not mean it is worth taking unnecessary risks.

 

[smirking]

Yes, it's safe... if you're wearing a full hazmat suit.

Let's say it's the dead of winter and your relative has a vicious cold. Do you think it's possible you could get a cold from said relative? Well, then you could also get Covid-19. It doesn't matter how well you know them or how many times you've hugged them in the past.

The whole point of quarantine is to seal people off into household units so that one household won't get another household sick because if you get sick, most of your house (if not your entire house) is going to get sick. If you live in a house with three other people and you break quarantine, then you've broken the seal around your entire house. You think you're only risking your own health, but you're actually risking everyone's health in the house.

The deceptive thing about this Coronavirus is that people are extremely contagious at the very start of developing the infection. It's now known that some people are mostly or entirely asymptomatic and still contagious, but even people who develop severe illness will also go through a period that may last for days in which they're highly infectious, but don't know it.

 

[44267547]

I wouldn’t risk it whatsoever. The reason I wouldn’t personally, is I have zero interest to want to be in somebody’s living quarters and breathe their air in their household, not happening. Now, if this was like in a public setting in a park or something where everyone can casually meet Keeping in mind of a safe distance, that would be entirely different.

Oh, and as Zenithal mentioned, being asymptomatic is a very real thing, and very scary at that.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

If my septuagenarian mom asked me to drop by, I would definitely go.

It would fall under the "shelter at home" exceptions of taking care of elderly.

Just you all wait until your parents hit their 70s and 80s. You might sing a different tune then.

 

[velocityg4]

If my septuagenarian mom asked me to drop by, I would definitely go.

It would fall under the "shelter at home" exceptions of taking care of elderly.

Just you all wait until your parents hit their 70s and 80s. You might sing a different tune then.

If anything. One should be their shopping for them. Wipe everything down properly (and all other proper hygienic handling). Then handing it over to them. Unless one has an existing health issue. This is much safer for them.

Just to clarify. Anyone with elderly parents should do the same. Elderly aren't as likely to take all the proper cleaning safety precautions, as a younger person being mindful. This can be because they forget steps or it's simply physically too difficult for them.

It's good that some stores take this seriously and open an hour early for seniors. So, they don't have to deal with a crowded store. Can get basic necessities. Plus access stuff right after the store's restock and deep cleaning.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Nah, mom is too independent. She wants to do her own shopping.

I told her about the special senior hours and strongly advised her to use them, just like walking up the airplane jetway during airline pre-boarding. The stores have better inventory when they first open.

I see her weekly anyhow.

 

[daimos]

Just you all wait until your parents hit their 70s and 80s. You might sing a different tune then.

You sound like you know about caring for the elders more than the rest. Everyone here has an elderly famiy member.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

There are a lot of younger MR participants whose parents aren't in 70s and 80s. Maybe they have great-grandparents or grandparents who are, but they are their parents.

The primary responsibility lies on the elderly's direct offspring.

The whole premise of the question is pretty questionable.

 

[daimos]

The primary responsibility lies on the elderly's direct offspring.

Each culture is different.
The original post is about a wifes sister.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Yes, the wife and her sister are direct blood relatives.

Legally, there is less obligation for the OP since he is not a direct blood relative. It's still the morally right thing to do.

 

[honestone33]

Each culture is different.
The original post is about a wifes sister.

No, it's not about her. I was just providing an example of a close-by relative. It applies to any relative, very close, or not too far away.

 

[daimos]

No, it's not about her. I was just providing an example of a close-by relative. It applies to any relative, very close, or not too far away.

Govt says to take care of the ederly. I agree. If you visit to have dinner and a few laughs, the govt says no. I agree.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus doesn't care if two people are blood relatives or not.

If they are dependents, it is permissible and correct to meet with them.

If they aren't, well maybe it would be better to just wait it out and use phone/video calls to stay in touch. Just pretend in your heads that you are both out of town.

 

[daimos]

If they need help then yes go. If you go coz you are lonely, it is wrong to go.

 

[AustinIllini]

Disappointed there is no Poll

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Initially, I thought that this was another possibly silly thread, but now, must admit that a thoughtful and interesting discussion is taking place here, one worth reading, as reasonable and intelligent (and humane) arguments are made from a number of perspectives.