Valentine’s Day – 14th February

Valentine’s Day is a time for caring or romance, where you can express your affection and gratitude to your loved one. But with the national lockdown, many of us will be celebrating very differently this year. Here we outline the rules for mixing with others on Valentine’s Day to ensure that we all stay safe and continue to protect the NHS. We’ve also shared some dating ideas so that you can still have a special Valentine’s Day while following the COVID-19 guidelines. 

Meeting with others indoors

You should only spend time in your house or garden with the people that you live with. This means that you can’t invite people over that are not in your household unless they are in your support bubble. 

Meeting with others outdoors

You can only meet up with one other person in public outdoor places, such as beaches or parks. Up to two carers for someone with a disability or any child under the age of five don’t count towards this limit. You should still continue to maintain social distancing with anyone that isn’t in your support bubble. 

Staying overnight

You can’t stay overnight somewhere unless you have a reasonable excuse for doing so and you can only stay overnight with people that are in your household or support bubble. More detail on the guidelines for staying away from home overnight can be found here.

Travelling

You should still only travel if it is essential. If using public transport you should wear a face covering.

Valentine’s date ideas that are COVID-19 safe

We’ve put together some lockdown friendly date ideas for partners, friends or that you can enjoy if celebrating on your own. 

Socially distanced walk 

Go for a socially distanced walk with your loved one. You can add romance by walking to locations where you have both shared special times or why not take a walk somewhere you haven’t been before and explore together. Just make sure to follow guidelines and not to travel outside of your local area. 

Virtual video call 

Although you may be tired of hearing the words ‘video call’, it really is an easy and great way to connect you to the people you aren’t able to see in person. There are ways to make your standard video call more exciting this Valentine’s Day. Why not bring the party to your house and try hosting a virtual cocktail-making evening with your partner or with family and friends? If a relaxed evening is more to your taste, grab your dressing gowns and enjoy a virtual spa night, trying out refreshing face masks or luxurious body creams. 

Dine in for one or for two.

Bring fine dining home this Valentine’s Day. Food venues are closed but remain open for takeaway, so why not order food from your favourite restaurant to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. If you think of yourself as a whiz in the kitchen why not put your culinary skills to the test and cook up your favourite meal. You can even take part in online cooking classes with your partner, your family and friends or by yourself and try your hand at something new! Treat the evening like a real date night and make an effort to get all dressed up. If this can’t be done together in person, enjoy the night virtually; cook up your favourite dishes and then set up a video call and have dinner together. 

Write a love letter

As we haven’t been able to see our loved ones like we usually would this past year, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with them by writing a letter and sending it to them. This is a great way to express to someone how much you love and miss them and is sure to bring a smile to their face. This doesn’t only have to be done to your Valentine, send to family members you maybe haven’t seen in a while. A thoughtful way of spreading love this Valentine’s Day is something that most of us would appreciate in these difficult times. 

As always, Pharmacy2U are here to deliver your repeat NHS prescriptions for free while you stay safe at home, so you can focus on important things like celebrating your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

Our sister company Chemist Direct has everything you need to keep your home clean and safe this Valentine’s Day.