Do visit
‘I can well imagine that you want to go on seeing your mother and that this makes visiting her difficult. For your mother’s wellbeing, I would carry on going to see her. Tell her beforehand that you want to keep a safe distance for her sake and yours. You could also set a good example by wearing a face mask and opening a window. Even if she doesn’t think such measures are very important, maybe she will respect your choice.’
Paulien Vinke, PhD student of Human Nutrition and Health
Not sociable but sensible
‘With friends and family, it feels natural to be close, even in times of Covid-19. It’s easy to think, “It won’t go wrong.” And statistically, that’s true: it goes well more often than it goes wrong. Nevertheless, 10 to 15 per cent of the people with a cough who get tested are infected with the coronavirus. That is enough to keep the pandemic going. As long as the number of vaccinated people in the Netherlands remains low, it would be better to visit your mother less often and call her more often – perhaps video calls. It’s not as sociable, but it is safer.’
Gorben Pijlman, associate professor of Virology
Up to her
‘Talk it over with your mother. Tell her that you are careful where Covid is concerned and that you are not comfortable visiting people who don’t stick to the rules, even if they are family. That way, it’s up to her. If she keeps to the rules and doesn’t see too many other people, you can visit her.’
Madelon van Vuure, BSc student of Animal Sciences
Might listen to you
‘What a tricky situation. On the one hand, I think the measures come first, but at the same time, my parents are very important to me and I would find it hard not to see them. My advice is to ask your mother why she doesn’t keep to the measures. That is a good starting point for a discussion. Perhaps you can make it clear to her that such measures are there to protect vulnerable people, a group that might include herself. She may not listen to the government, but maybe she will listen to her own child.’
Mari-Lee Odendaal, MSc student of Marine Biology
Next WURry: Disapointment
