Choice. My neighbour's 100 year old Mum is her only relative bar a couple of elderly cousins in Devon as she lost her husband last year to cancer. Mum is in a home. She's seen her twice in the last 6 months, once through the window from outside on her 100th birthday and a second time through a glass screen in the home.
The current situation is inhumane.
It is feasible to arrange a covid secure hug.