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It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 14, so you may be wondering how you can celebrate amid ongoing Covid lockdown restrictions. Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a four-step roadmap for easing lockdown, most restrictions will still be in place come Mother’s Day.
Restaurants, pubs and non-essential shops will still be shut, indoor socialising will still be banned and people will still be advised to ‘stay at home’ in all but exceptional circumstances.
However, from March 8, there will be a small change to the outdoor exercise rules and you will be allowed to meet one-on-one to socialise outdoors in public places and have a picnic or a coffee on a park bench.
The other key change that could affect Mother’s Day is an easing of care home visiting rules from March 8. Residents will finally be allowed a single regular visitor, provided they have a negative Covid test and wear protective equipment. Holding hands will be allowed.
While there’s a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the UK’s successful vaccination programme and the Prime Minister’s promise that the latest lockdown will be the last, for many Mother’s Day will still feel very different this year. However, there’s no reason you can’t celebrate remotely (or in person, socially distanced, where possible) and make a fuss of your mother for her special day. Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it safe to visit?
The are only a few instances where it would be safe to visit this Mother’s Day. As you are allowed to exercise and socialise outside with one other person (keeping your distance if you aren’t part of the same household or support bubble), you could meet your mother for a walk, coffee or picnic if she lives close by.
From March 8, care home residents are allowed one regular visitor. If your mum lives in a care home, this means you can visit in person and hold hands, although other close contact such as hugging is not yet allowed.
The guidance around childcare and support bubbles still applies, so if you have formed either with your mother, you are allowed to visit.
The government’s ‘stay at home’ message is not due to be dropped until March 29, so unless any of the above apply, you will have to settle for virtual Mother’s Day celebrations.
We usually go out for Mother’s Day, what can we do at home?
If you and your mother live in the same area, you could opt to take a walk in the fresh air, keeping your distance (around six feet). You will also be allowed to get a takeaway coffee, pack a picnic, or even enjoy a glass or two of fizz outdoors in a public place (provided you BYOB – pubs, including pub gardens, will still be shut). However, bear in mind that guidance is still firm on staying within your local area, so don’t travel further afield.
To mark the day, you can still make a fuss of your mother: send her flowers (see below), make her a special meal or get a meal delivered, watch a film together, or play a board game.
If visiting isn’t an option, what can I do instead?
Set up a Skype, Facetime or Zoom call. You could arrange to have lunch or tea together online. If your mother isn’t technologically savvy, do the same over the phone. You could also watch some TV or a concert together.
Take advantage of the wide range of restaurant meal kits and takeaway services on offer to treat your mum to a delicious lunch or dinner, while chatting on the phone or online.
There are hundreds of incredible free on-demand cultural performances available online: try the Met Opera or the Digital Concert Hall, or be your own Gogglebox and binge a boxset on Netflix or Amazon. You could also arrange to play a board game over video call.
If you want to really treat your mother, you could organise an online activity to do together, such as a cookery or cocktail-making class, wine tasting or an at-home afternoon tea (Virgin Experience Days offers a wide variety of stay-at-home packages).
Is it safe to send flowers?
If you’re worried that sending flower deliveries may put your mother at risk, set your mind at rest.
Interflora is offering non-contact deliveries, and say that although some flowers will not be available due to changes in supply, their local artisanal florists will be able to supply alternatives (also a great way of supporting local business). There are also plenty of other flower delivery companies online to choose from.
Can I still send a present?
According to Royal Mail, 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.”
Royal Mail postal workers no longer pass electronic devices for recipients to sign, and will retreat to a safe distance when making a delivery.
M&S also offers contact-free delivery. Not On the High Street has a wide range of Mother’s Day gift boxes that you could send, many of which are from small businesses.
