Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2 3

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:

Figgygal · 15/05/2020 17:28

Just don’t go in the house sit in front if you have to

Why is it any different to a park?

MayFayre · 15/05/2020 17:29

I think no. Pretty sure it was specifically said at one of the daily briefings.

However, I’ve noticed that many of my neighbours are doing so, particularly the over 70s.

ifonly4 · 15/05/2020 17:30

The government are aiming to avoid group meetings, and I guess visitors I houses and I guess cross contamination with things like cups.

I feel it's been a hard week for many I know. I haven't broken lockdown restrictions yet, but so tempted to tell one of my friends to turn up on my doorstep with their cup and I'll fill it with coffee. Ine had had a miscarriage, the other is regularly in tears over this.

So, yes, if you'd like to, if you can follow the guidance

Chloemol · 15/05/2020 17:45

Cornettoninja · 15/05/2020 18:17

No it’s not allowed but I’d say do it since you sound like you’ll be sensible and this person is on their own.

The government are not going to give the green light to do it because they have to cater to the lowest common denominator and some people will take it as a green light to throw a party or arrange okay dates (and by god we’re all desperate to). Breaking the rules nervously is keeping that kind of behaviour in check.

FuckYouCovid · 15/05/2020 18:26

I've been doing this since the beginning but only in the front garden. I'm shielding so have relied on friends to bring me food and medication and they always stop for a 20 -30 minute chat. I sit on the door step and they sit on the wall 4/5 meters away.

MamaGee09 · 15/05/2020 18:30

I’ve sat with my mum in her garden with about 3 metres between us, I get closer to people when at the supermarket,

I always take my own snacks and drinks and keep my distance. She lives herself and has been home alone for 8 weeks.

Bluntness100 · 15/05/2020 18:32

The guidance says, and Boris himself said it, you can meet one person from another household outside If you socially distance.

As such, this is within guidelines. Outside includes the garden.

AvoidingRealHumans · 15/05/2020 18:36

I saw this asked on TV and the minister said that although it doesn't seem to make sense it is because once you are in someone's garden you will probably become more relaxed and lose your wits a bit.
Theres more chance of you coming too close, passing it etc

Saying that, I definitely would in this scenario, just stay your 2m away.

MadgeMak · 15/05/2020 18:38

I reckon they said not garden because then people would push it further: pop in to use the toilet, offer drinks, offer biscuits/cake.

Exactly this. Give people an inch and they'll take a mile. We're all being treated like idiots, because some people ARE idiots.

Dancingalong · 15/05/2020 18:38

It’s not allowed officially but I think it’s about using common sense. If it involves going through the house - no. Otherwise front garden or through a side gate to back garden along as you can stay 2m away, I can’t see how this is any different to being in a park.

MadgeMak · 15/05/2020 18:43

A lot of the rules seem bonkers but they've been put in place because some people are thick. It's like when people say it's madness that we are now being encouraged back to work yet we can't see grandparents for example. Give an inch take a mile, some will see being given permission to see certain family members as a green light for throwing a family party.

Flaxmeadow · 15/05/2020 18:48

No because you have to be in a public place outside, though I understand why it would probably seem OK if the garden is large enough

I think the reason it doesn't mention gardens is because a lot of people do not have a garden large enough to social distance at 2 metres. Terraced houses or communal gardens for example

The guildines are set to include as many people as possible

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 15/05/2020 18:55

Personally I’d say Yes, guidance or not as long as social distancing is in place.

You can shop in a supermarket, exercise, work alongside colleagues in public and private buildings as long as social distancing is in place but yet speak to a family member or friend in their garden outdoors (not going through property) apparently is “against guidance”

Apparently that’s common sense

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 15/05/2020 18:56

*And socially distancing with family and friends

user1498572889 · 15/05/2020 19:08

I have gone to visit my sister. I go in via her back gate I bring my own drink and we stay more than 2 metres apart. I wear gloves and wipe my hand with anti bac wipes when I leave. She is on her own and would not see anyone if I did not do this. I have less contact with her than people I pass in the supermarket.

Original poster

Jungiannn · 15/05/2020 20:03

Well I am a very anxious person myself, and I am so unclear on this point. I went to drop the item round, rang the bell and stepped back over 2 meters.

We nattered on her doorstep for about 40 mins with a massive distance between us (I was technically on the street!).

I am now worried that some responses on here say no dont meet ... I did say when I got to her house that I can't come in/sit in garden because it's unclear if we can do so.

I'm worried neighbours will have reported or something ... I feel like I should have maybe kept the chat a lot shorter now! A neighbour did walk past but didn't say anything.

No hugging, no walking through the house, no sitting in the garden ....

I'll worry myself sick now!

OP posts:

thatgingergirl · 15/05/2020 20:38

Oh, OP - don't worry - that sounds absolutely fine!

overnightangel · 15/05/2020 20:41

You could stand at their front door and talk to them 2m away , or in the garden 10m away

GracieLouFreebushh · 15/05/2020 20:44

OP get a grip, you were over 2 metres apart. You are an adult and able to make informed decisions and assess risk independently. You can meet someone from outside of your household 2 metres apart in a public place - which is what you did. As previously said, they're going to have 4-6 year olds mixing soon!
No one is going to report you. Forget about it and take a couple of deep breaths.

dementedpixie · 15/05/2020 20:48

Fgs calm down. I went to drop stuff at my mums house the other day and sat outside for a chat with her and my brother. We were all distanced, didnt go in the house and didnt have the cup of tea I would normally have when visiting in the past. It may not strictly be allowed but who cares really?

Cornettoninja · 15/05/2020 20:52

Honestly @Jungiannn it’s absolutely fine.

Please don’t sit there worrying about it when you’ve probably made your friends day. No one is going to report you and even if they did I doubt the police would do more than make ‘hmmm’ noises over the telephone.

Floatyboat · 15/05/2020 20:54

@Jungiannn

Don't worry that's fine. I assume your joking about being on the street!

Flip

1 2 3

Swipe left for the next trending thread