Is this ok?

[2004pickle]

Please don’t all have a go at me because I haven’t done this!
Is it ok to go into a neighbours garden in the evening (dark), sit 2-3 metres apart and chat for about an hour? Just 2 people, not going in the house at all and in a huge garden, not overlooked and passing no one in the street on the way there.
Would there be any reason for the conversation that would make it ok? Or is it still unnecessary socialising?
I know rules are rules for everyone but this isn’t as clear cut as some of the other questions I’ve seen on MN. Thanks.

Ultimately, we've been asked not to do that but the risk of infection is low. It's a judgement call, but certainly nothing you need to be asking MN about if you know or have seen someone who's done this.

It's against 'da roolz' but is it any different to chatting to your next door neighbour over the fence?

I wouldn't ask on MN though, you don't need our permission and you'll just get told off for even thinking it anyway.

It’s tricky, this. I have a tiny garden and when I put the washing out today I was thinking how close I was to the neighbours. In theory you could be further away than a lot of people who aren’t leaving their house.

If I could do it I would.

I think if you maintain social distancing it’s totally fine.

The rules need to be complied with, but also common sense applied.

Probably not, it’s not that’s is unsafe more that if you do it then others will too. The more people flex the rules the more people will see that and think, well I’m doing it if they are! And we lose all control, better to just stick to the rules imo

Thanks for the responses. I posted recently on here about my anxiety and recovery from ptsd. I’m finding it so tough working from home and having dc home all day too. My panic levels in the evening are horrific now and although my dh is lovely, one of my best friends lives in a house with a huge garden just a few minutes walk away. She suggested I come over which would be so good for my wellbeing (and probably gets too) but the guilt about breaking rules is making me more anxious! I am not consciously anxious about coronavirus specifically but my general anxiety is overwhelming despite being on medication and I’m starting to feel depressed. This friend knows everything about my horrendous ptsd and I usually see her 2-3 times a week just to chat, drink tea and relax. I think I’ll probably not do it but it’s so tempting. Thanks again for the replies.

*hers not gets

I would.

One thing though; be prepared to be called out if another neighbour sees you. You need to think about how you'd respond, if at all to being admonished.

I would. I was speaking to my neighbour over the fence for an hour last week at a distance. Two neighbours here have people visiting right now!

No it's not OK. Even just thinking about applying common sense in this way makes you a MURDERER. Apparently.

It's absolutely fine. The virus doesn't have wings.

It’s not your neighbour though! No, it’s not ok to pop round your friends house. Why don’t you FaceTime instead?

I’ve been doing this with my neighbour pretty much every night!

Totally fine. I speak as someone who last left the house on Sunday.

I would do 3 meters and only do it if they have been mainly isolating well. Have a scarf if the sneeze or cough. But this is going to go on for months and months so yes I would
But not if they were over 70 or had underlying health issues until we are out of the crisis (next month) within the crisis IYSWIM

I would as long as you keep plenty of space between you or to h anything I don't see an issue.

Meant to add, own chair, own drink

Or touch anything that should have said

My best friend called today while she was out for a walk. Rang to say she was outside. I sat on the front doorstep and she sat on the front garden bench - about 3m away and we had a 15 minute chat. Nothing passed hands or intruded on that distance.

Go for it! I would come too if I could