The UK Isn't Banning Casual Romantic Relationships
The Claim
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the United Kingdom is forbidding “non-established” relationships.
News posted on
Emerging story
During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, the UK released an extensive number of rules regarding social distancing. One of these rules states that it is acceptable for people in “established relationships” to spend the night at their significant other’s house. Several magazines and newspapers published analyses of the new rules. The claim that the UK has banned casual romantic relationships soon went viral.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar's investigation found that it seems many of these publications are drawing their own conclusions. The UK government did use the term “established relationships,” but it never explained exactly what that means.
As the government doesn’t elaborate on what an established relationship is, it is misleading to say that they are banning casual relationships. In fact, the guidelines don’t even say that “established relationships” have to be romantic – it could also be referring to friendships and familial bonds. It’s worth noting that some parts in the UK have their own set of COVID-19 rules, so these guidelines do not apply to everyone.
