AIBU to meet for a walk with one other person regularly?

[JoCF42]

I’m a new mum with a baby and have been meeting for walks with one other person 3 or 4 times a week. I am usually meeting a different person each time (mostly other new mum friends). AIBU to be doing this with the new strain? I don’t have any physical contact on the walks but being realistic we probably don’t stay 2 metres away from each other at all times. I felt pretty safe doing this when I read up on how coronavirus was transmitted previously but I’m doubting myself with the new strain... not sure how I’d cope mental health wise without these walks though

Why not stay the metres apart then? 🤷🏻‍♀️

*two metres!

Yes of course that’s ok! Good for you to get out and good for the baby.

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.
Maybe choose walks where you know there is plenty of space, no narrow paths etc, so you can maintain the 2m.

I’d personally work on keeping the 2m apart. It’s not clear whether there may be more outdoor transmission with this new variant. But you certainly aren’t being unreasonable to see people within the guidelines.

@NotaCoolMum

Why not stay the metres apart then? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Because all that does is force other people to walk right between you.

@NotaCoolMum

Why not stay the metres apart then? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I do aim to but I live in a town and usually meet in the town park so it can sometimes be quite busy trying to avoid other people on some of the pathways. We aren’t really spoilt with choice for places to walk that are accessible for prams sadly (I babywear a lot but some of my friends prefer to use a pram)

@BlairCorneliaWaldorf
No you should be walking one behind the other in single file with 2 meters between you.

@StatisticalSense another made up rule! It’s actually safer to walk side by side with a distance between.

OP carry on i am doing the same I have a 5 month old and it’s the only thing keeping me sane. We meet some of our NCT friends 1:1 with the babies a few times a week. Mental health benefits plus socialization for the babies outweigh the small risk imo.

You're breaking no rules. Go for it.

@StatisticalSense another made up rule!

This poster has form for talking bollocks

OP I would just keep the required distance apart and wear a mask. No need for single file.

It’s fine to meet up with them for walks, but yes try to maintain the two metre distance wherever possible.

Your mental health matters too and the risk of transmission outdoors is lower.

I think it sounds fine, good for you, baby and your friends. I had a small baby and a toddler during the first lockdown and couldn't meet anyone during the initial lockdown. I struggled mentally. If you take precautions I think it will be worth it for you.

I think it is absolutely fine. You're outdoors in the open air and whilst I'm not saying that makes it entirely risk free, the risks must be minimal. It is good for your mental and physical wellbeing OP.

@Justcallmecaptainobvious

I’d personally work on keeping the 2m apart. It’s not clear whether there may be more outdoor transmission with this new variant. But you certainly aren’t being unreasonable to see people within the guidelines.

This is my view - clearly this virus spreads more easily, the logical thing to do is adjust.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/strict-new-rules-exercising-during-19565231.amp

It says in this news article that you shouldn’t meet other people for exercise outside unless they are in your family, bubble or childcare support bubble.
So perhaps you can just chose one friend to meet with?

It's perfectly legal to meet one other person outside for exercising.

However ... you should definitely be socially distancing, and if you can't do that, maybe you need to rethink where/when you go for walks.

I would also suggest it would be good practice to limit the number of different people that you see.

It says in this news article that you shouldn’t meet other people for exercise outside unless they are in your family, bubble or childcare support bubble.

I would ignore the article and follow the government website in any interpretation of 'rules'

You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
• by yourself
• with the people you live with
• with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
• in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
• or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household

I was meeting a single friend in the park before lockdown but am not anymore. For me personally, I am more concerned about catching the virus (at this point when the hospitals are full rather than in general) and so it is better for my mh to avoid others altogether. My DH is wfh though and I have an older DD home from school so I'm not alone with the baby- far from it!

@SnotLongTilChristmas
Why go to an article for your information? Go to the gov.uk coronavirus lockdown guidance. It has a clear index. Look at the appropriate section.

Meeting one other person for exercise is allowed.

Just maintain the 2m minimum distance. If you are baby wesring, you can step off the paths to avoid people even if your walking companion has a pram.

@SnotLong If you read the full article it clearly says that if you are on your own you can meet one other person to exercise with.

Which is what the government guidance says.

You should keep 2m apart. If there is not room for others to pass then go into single file until they have passed - basic manners surely? Try and go at quieter times instead.