Coronavirus: How Can We Celebrate Mother’s Day While Being Socially Responsible?

Last night, new government advice was issued encouraging everyone to start practising social distancing in order to protect the most vulnerable in society from coronavirus (Covid-19) transmission. As a result, Mother’s Day celebrations across the nation are being put on hold.

‘Social-distancing] guidance is for everyone…to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19),’ the government [website reads. ‘We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.’

It means all non-essential use of public transport should be avoided, working from home should be implemented where possible and we should all be avoiding large gatherings or public places like pubs and restaurants. Most notably, the government says to ‘avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media’.

So what does this mean for our Mother’s Day plans? Essentially, that brunch you booked may have to be replaced with a FaceTime. And the gifts? They’ll have to be delivered. Luckily, there are plenty of options to deliver Mother’s Day gifts so the day doesn’t go completely unacknowledged. Here’s our edit of the best gifts to buy online.

And just in case you were worried, it is considered safe. According to the Royal Mail’s website, Public Health England (PHE) has advised that people receiving parcels are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus. ‘From experience with other coronaviruses, we know that these types of viruses don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels,’ the website reads.

‘We are delivering Mother’s Day gifts as well as important documents like hospital appointments,’ Shane O’Riordain, managing director of marketing at Royal Mail, told the Mirror Online. ‘We have taken a number of measures and provided guidance to our colleagues on how to help prevent the spread of infection. This includes promoting regular hand washing with soap and water. We have also advised colleagues to carry disposable tissues and we are providing disposable latex gloves, available on request.’

So, what are the responsible ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend? Here are a few ideas:

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Just because you won’t be in the same room, doesn’t mean you can’t all have lunch together. Arrange a time that everyone can sit down with something to eat and spend an hour chatting. Or, if that’s a bit of a logistical nightmare, perhaps just arrange for a present-opening presentation? Everyone can log on to watch your mum open all her cards – at least you still get to see the smile on her face.

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When the new measures were announced, Moonpig was quick to inform customers they could handle the new demand for delivering gifts. You can send a personalised card, flowers or gift through services like Moonpig and they’ll arrange for presents to be left on the door if your parent is self-isolating.

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You may have seen a ton of coronavirus-heroes have come up with unique ways to show their loved ones they care on days of celebration. This week, a 67-year-old man in the US wasn’t allowed in to his wife’s care home on their anniversary and so stood outside with a huge sign dedicated to their big day. Plus, the World Harmony Orchestra is arranging free concerts outside people’s homes to uplift people that are self-isolating. Perhaps you can display one of your own talents in your mothers back garden? Or, maybe just pay someone else to – in a safe, responsible way of course.

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If she’s anything like every parent over 60 ever, she might not be able to send one back. But, that doesn’t mean she won’t appreciate getting a video of your well wishes in the morning.

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As every industry right now is saying, don’t cancel – just reschedule. There are plenty of countries around the world that celebrate Mother’s Day in October instead of March – Argentina’s for example is the third Sunday in October. Perhaps adopt their date and give your mother something new to look forward to. Yes, we don’t know when all this will end, but right now we can hope that by October things will be better.

Read More:

Coronavirus And Social-Distancing: What Should You Be Doing To Minimise Social Contact?

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