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Original poster

conflicting answers on this ... sitting in another person's garden?

73 replies

Jungiannn · 15/05/2020 16:26

My friend has asked to borrow something for work which is vital, and I am going to drop it off later.

She has asked me whether I want to sit in her garden (2m apart) and have a quick chat.

She lives on her own and hasn't seen anyone throughout the whole lockdown.

I know we're allowed to met people in public and go for a walk together etc., and sit in the park

... what's the stance on sitting in another person's back garden?

I think NO.
DP thinks YES.

OP posts:
TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 15/05/2020 16:28

I think the guidance specifically identifies this as something you shouldn't do.

BringBackDoves · 15/05/2020 16:32

Well technically it’s a no because the guidance says you can’t meet friends or family in your home. But you can meet one person from a different household outdoors.

Can’t see the difference between them to be honest. You could, for example, stand on the street outside your house 2m apart and it be fine. Which is ridiculous. I’d be in the garden.

BringBackDoves · 15/05/2020 16:33

That’s assuming you don’t have to actually go into her house by the way.

softjellycell · 15/05/2020 16:33

It's against the guidance. I can see people ignoring it because you can sit 2m away in a park but apart doesn't have the risk of people going in the house.

Original poster
Jungiannn · 15/05/2020 16:33

@TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross

I've read the actual document released on Wednesday, and I don't think it's clear.

OP posts:
softjellycell · 15/05/2020 16:33

It's very clear, it states you can't do it.

Original poster
Jungiannn · 15/05/2020 16:35

@softjellycell

As I said, I do think it's a no.

But where is it clear you can't do it?

OP posts:
Jocasta2018 · 15/05/2020 16:38

Does she have a large garden? Can you easily keep a good distance ie over 2 metres away? If you can then I don't see the problem.
If you can't then maybe she can chat from her door way or through a window.

tootyfruitypickle · 15/05/2020 16:40

No it says you have to meet outside.

It says you can’t go into someone’s home. Depends if you count a gardenas part of a home.

I can’t see the police being bothered about this and it’s clearly not a risk if you stay outside .

However govt when asked have said it’s not allowed. Not sure where the law is on it ‘

tootyfruitypickle · 15/05/2020 16:41

Sorry that was to pp who said it clearly states you can’t do it ! Nowhere in the 50 page doc does it say you can’t go into someone’s garden.

MereDintofPandiculation · 15/05/2020 16:42

Thee was a government explanation that you can't meet in gardens because it might mean going into the house.

So there doesn't seem much logic behind saying you can't meet in front gardens, and arguably it's safer than you standing in the street and talking to her.

Realistically all you have to fear is her neighbours.

usernotfound0000 · 15/05/2020 16:42

It's definitely a no as per the guidance and this has been clarified by MPs. But that said, I probably would, it is very low risk assuming the garden doesn't need to be accessed through the house.

PrayingandHoping · 15/05/2020 16:44

It's clearly says no as the section on meeting with 1 other person 2 metres apart is under the subject title public place

Unless you live under a rock and don't watch the news, it's also been asked and discussed over and over on the tv and every politician has said no and explained why

Chewbecca · 15/05/2020 16:45

I think it is against guidance but no more risky than activities permitted by the guidance therefore for me it is a yes.

LizzieMacQueen · 15/05/2020 16:45

There was a FAQ I think, off to google.

Elouera · 15/05/2020 16:46

Can you access the garden via a side gate, and therefore not go inside her home? If no side gate, I'd just meet in the front garden for a quick chat, rather than going through the house, which isn't allowed.

richele4 · 15/05/2020 16:46

Unclear.

A garden is outdoors, is it not? If you can go through a back gate then you don't need to go through the house. If you have to go through the house then it's a no.

As PP said, police won't be bothered, the only thing you've got to fear is neighbours.

I'd do it, especially since she's been in lockdown by herself she must be getting pretty lonely and would appreciate it. Just stay at least 2m away

HeffalumpsCantDance · 15/05/2020 16:47

‘Because it might mean going in the house’

So don’t go in the bloody house and you’ll be fine!
I’ve taught infants, but I’m not one and refuse to be treated like one. As long as you resist the urge to race into her house, bounce on the sofa and snog the dog, you’ll be OK.

2m apart, outside. Enjoy!

MummyNWife · 15/05/2020 16:48

I dont see the difference sat in park two metres away or sat in her garden two metres away ? if you don't have to go thru here house i say go for it. If you stook in the road outside her house two metres away from her, it would be allowed ? only difference is, its her garden. x

Thurlow · 15/05/2020 16:49

For me, I'd do it. Just don't go inside the house and stay 2m apart, there's no difference to being outside. Maybe sit on the grass not patio furniture and wipe the gate handles or something if you feel like it?

MummyNWife · 15/05/2020 16:49

ignore the typos!

Karwomannghia · 15/05/2020 16:49

I would. I’m expected to go into work soon. Maybe just meet at the nearest park instead!

LizzieMacQueen · 15/05/2020 16:51

Here's the FAQ page - gov.uk

link

VaggieMight · 15/05/2020 16:51

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at poster's request.

Love51 · 15/05/2020 16:53

As the bard said, the law is an ass.

Just make sure you've been for a wee before you go!