Ok for healthy 65 to babysit??

I am in exactly the same boat, very confused as to whether the 'keep children away from grandparents' advice means just over 70s and at risk people or includes ALL grandparents. DD concerned for me and her stepfather who is 67 (also in good health) and we'd all really appreciate some advice.

I’m 66 and healthy but staying away from grandkids. They can be infectious without appearing ill. My friend has just been admitted to hospital and is on oxygen. I don’t want to risk being in her shoes.

We are early/mid 60's and have always done some childminding for the grandkids. We have been apart since last Monday and now they have no school/nursery, both parents working from home. Our thinking is that when they have been isolated for 7 days, we (assuming we are all healthy) will start having them here again to give mum and dad peace to do a decent days work. The weather is staring to improve and they love being in the garden, so even better.

Thing are the family really self isolating? Are they not going shopping?

Its mainly only 50s being afftected (but also younger if on bp/diabetic meds etc) so the threshold is pretty low.

That puts some PARENTS in the vulnerable group

I was willing to still have our DGCs or so DD can return to work as a nurse.I'm 60 years old.She hasn't said as much but she has kept her distance all week even though we live a stones throw away.I must confess this morning I woke up feeling very sad and had a little weep.I already miss actual cuddles and kisses from them.But we will do whatever is best.An old lady said to me yesterday as we chatted from a distance this is worse than the war.I thought really ?Then realised she would have only been a tiny child and the full hardships wouldn't have registered as they would for her parents.But as I've just said to DH at least in the war people went to the theatre, pubs etc and could hug each other ?

No! It is not!

It is plain common sense.

Not sure where my comment went

My dh and I work from home and also take care of our kids.

Our companies and coworkers understand what is going on now and welcome the kids "contributing " in meetings, TV sound in the background, having to step away to stop a fight, etc.

Your dd, sil and kids will adjust.

I would not babysit- where have the children been- with whom have they mixed at school during the day?

We have been told to keep our social distance- this is included.

Well the official advice is to keep your distance.

I'm 65 but my GC live in the country and I'm in London so the need doesn't arise but, if it were to help them to earn a living and it was crucial then I would do so.

It's not as though you're putting yourself at risk so they can go off on a night out.

Not everyone has the luxury of a hands-off approach.

I took early retirement to look after my GD 3 days a week, now 19 months. Both parents work for NHS so I want to enable them to work but am I being irresponsible if I continue with childcare.

Should also add they have no alternative provision. I am 66, both myself and DH are in reasonable health although I’ve had a nasal drip persistent cough for years

If you are fit and healthy and want to babysit then go ahead.
However, you can’t go near anyone who is over 70 or anyone of any age who has any health issues.
Bear in mind that if you get the virus, even though at the moment, you are fit and well, you could still die and potentially kill anyone you have come into contact with.
Most people have some kind of ‘underlying issue’ we aren’t being told what issues the people who have died have had . It could be Arthritis, a bad cold or an ear ache. We don’t know and shouldn’t assume that it was always a serious illness.

Is it worth it? Listen to your ACs. they seem to be taking this more seriously than you are.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I met up with dd and grandkids this afternoon in a country park and we kept our distance and had a walk and chat in the fresh air. No hugs or physical contact. I held it together till we got back in our cars and they drove off.

My daughter works from home and is sometimes involved in a video conference.
The children know that they don't go into her office but there have been times when they've forgotten.
She has some conference calls coming up and I will take the children to the beach or woods.

Everyone over the age of sixty should be self isolating if they can, but a lot of people are still working until they receive the state pension at the age of sixty six.
I think the government are making the ruling of seventy because of our ever increasing retirement age.
If you look at the death rate figures around the world you will see lots of people have died who are in their sixties.
I too am in my sixties and take a low dose of blood pressure medication, which puts people in an at risk group,otherwise fortunately fit and healthy. I have chosen to keep my distance and self isolate.

Seems like 69 is the magic number after that we are doomed.

Common sense seems to have left the building people wait to be told the bleeding obvious there couldn't be any more information out there.

Sodapop there are still threads with posters saying that they know that the virus can stay on metal surfaces for up to 4 hours ! FHS don’t they listen, or read?

Hi everyone, hope you are keeping safe and well. I am 66, very healthy and look after my 3 and 5 year old grandchildren 2 days a week in their own home. I normally sleepover. The little one’s nursery is staying open for the time being and the 5 year old will be at home as her school is closed. My DD can work at home, (but would get very little done with a 5 year old in the house,) my SiL works in a mental health private hospital and may have to stay there if staff go off sick. If DD and the children self isolate for 7 days can I then look after the 5 year old during the day at their house then come home. I am so confused about the Gov saying grandparents just can’t look after them. I am not over 70 and in very good health- no underlying health issues at all.
Advice would be most welcome please.

I am sorry but I think your daughter and son-in-law are correct.

Thank you Jude2006 I’m still working and in childcare. I will continue to work as long as I’m fit. The children I will be looking after are frontline nhs staff and delivery workers and store workers. I think I’m doing my bit it won’t last as we will probably close nearer the weeks ahead. I’m 60 just!

Anniechip

No, it is not safe.

Same advice from OP applies to your situation

To all: please stop looking for loopholes how to avoid the law and recommendations. It is all for our own good.

It's just not worth taking any risks at the moment. They don't want to lose their grandparents.

A lot of mums are taking turns to have each other's children so that the 'child free' one can work.

We have self isolated for 7 days. On mothers day we shall go to a country park and meet up with two sons, dil and two dgc. We will be able to chat and keep a good distance apart. More than is advised.