Can somebody clarify, please?

[ZuzuMyLittleGingersnap]

I know that meeting 1 other person outside for a bench coffee chat is now ok in public space/ parks etc.

But...

-is doing so, socially-distanced, in friend's private garden ok?
(no access through her house needed/ no indoor loo will be visited!)

Or is that only from 29th?

Logic would suggest no difference in risk, but I can't see the official line on Govt site.

I think you are right, it's not allowed but would make little practical difference in terms of risk.

It’s just allowed outside your home at the moment and changes on 29 March. The reasoning is that if you have someone round in your garden for a while, they may need to use wc or the weather may change and you would go inside house.

It's not allowed, on the basis that the sitting wouldn't be more dangerous, but people behave very differently in their own safe spaces and without being in front of other people.

I found this myself, having people over in the garden last time I wanted to offer use of the loo, felt like sitting closer and staying for longer.

Public spaces only.

Thanks, all.

We'll hang tight for a bit longer, then.

Frustrating for her, as she's double-vaccinated but house-and-garden-bound.

But it is what it is.

@ZuzuMyLittleGingersnap

Thanks, all.

We'll hang tight for a bit longer, then.

Frustrating for her, as she's double-vaccinated but house-and-garden-bound.

But it is what it is.

I'm usually on the more careful side, but if someone is vaccinated and you know you'll be observing all the same rules as you would outside, like masks if sitting close and not popping inside to grab anything, then I'd probably do it.

For once Scotland is being less cautious (which I'm delighted about) and we can socialise in gardens as of this Friday. Max 4 from 2 households.

Is there no other way round it within the rules, either of you single and can form a bubble?

@Champagneandmonstermunch

Is there no other way round it within the rules, either of you single and can form a bubble?

Unfortunately not.

She is single but already bubbled up with another household (son, daughter-in-law & young DGC).

Honestly, I'd just do it. There is no difference in risk to meeting on open ground 1000 yards from her house. Just set up chairs at a distance, take your own drink and don't use the loo. Common sense, especially when she's vaccinated.

I really don't understand why people avidly follow the rules when there's no rhyme or reason. If you both agree beforehand that you will keep a minimum of 2m distance from each other and that you won't go into her house at all then it's absolutely no difference risk wise than a sit down in the park. Go with logic.

I would just do it. I don’t see the difference between that and my neighbour and I chatting over the fence for ages like we did last week.

I would just do it, it's common sense that the risks are the same as meeting in a park so long as you don't use the toilet and distance appropriately

I live on a small, friendly culdisac & my neighbours and I have continued to natter to each other for an hour or more while our kids play on the street the whole time. One household, they are both police officers 🤷🏼‍♀️ We keep a sensible distance. I also natter to my next door neighbour over the fence every single weekend, again, while our kids are playing in their respective gardens. I can’t really see the harm or difference in your plans!

Oh gosh just do it! It might be not be allowed technically , but it is still totally within the spirit of what is allowed.

You are completely right, there is no difference in risk.

So just do it. Use your common sense rather than sticking to the rules in this scenario, as you know the rules make no sense for your circumstances.