Yes it's an utter joke... i saw my two nephews in the flesh last week, for the first time since March.
His mum and dad told him there was a surprise in the back garden, and i was hiding round the corner. The absolute excitement when he saw me, he forgot everything he'd been told about keeping distance and came flying over for a hug. I'd have had absolutely no problem with this, but his dad flew out and 'intercepted' him before he got to me. Pretty sad really.
We had a good hour kicking a football around in the garden, playing cricket, etc. But had to make do with having a 'virtual hug' when we left.
If that is what 'normal' is now then i certainly don't want it.
They tried similar with his best friend who came round to play at the weekend. I'm told that keeping them apart was impossible and they just gave up in the end.
My youngest nephew is 8 months old and i've only held him once. He screamed the place down last week when i attempted to play with him from a safe distance... didn't recognise me...