Can I go in my garden?

[RD23]

Quick question, after getting my shielding letter on the 25th March, I have been shielding and my parents are getting me any shopping I need and picking up my prescriptions. It says on the government advice website that you can go outside in a private space so long as you are 2 metres away from any neighbours.

I have a decent sized garden so I’m well away from neighbours and live on my own, so when I’m not working from home I’ve taken the opportunity to get outside.

Today, I’ve had a text from the government saying that I can open a window but not to go outside my property and to get someone else to take rubbish to bins.

So which is correct then? Is it a genuine text and I think I may go mad if I can’t go in my own garden!

[Troilus]

I have been going in my garden because, like yours, it is very private with no people around. Maybe the government are referring to people with no private outdoor space, where they might come into contact with neighbours or passers by.

Or maybe I’m wrong 😁

[RD23 in reply to Troilus]

Thank you, I’ve re-read the text and checked the number and it’s an 0800 number rather than the 0333 number that’s on the letter and the government’s advice page.

[Melanie1989]

I normally receive texts, but haven't received anything today. The guidance sent to me always stated i could go into the garden provided i was 2 metres apart. I would go mad if i couldn't go in the garden 🤪

[RD23 in reply to Melanie1989]

Thank you, I think I’d go mad too! It’s my escape at the moment. I live on my own so don’t need to worry about the social distancing but I’m far enough away from any neighbours

[EndoEffect]

I received the same text from the NHS too and am having to self-isolate for 12 weeks. I have been in my garden because I’m more than 2m away from anyone. The weather has been glorious and I think if I had to completely stay inside for 12 weeks then I would go insane. Just reading a book in the garden, in the sunshine, with the sound of birds etc, makes things feel so much brighter. X

[RD23]

It does indeed! My initial letter said going outside in a private space was ok but the text I had this morning said only to open a window and to get others to take rubbish out to bins. Not sure if it’s genuine 🤔

It’s far too nice to be inside, when I’m not working I go out as much as I can, hay fever permitting!

[CRP386]

Could it be some mix up with the type of property they may think you live in? I live in a block of apartments, and I have not been going out in the communal gardens or taking the rubbish out as doing all of this is fraught with passing through communal doors that everyone touches to get in and out of the block.

[Birthday60]

I’ve been gardening as we are completely private and to be honest as we live in a small rural village I’ve been taking walks. We sit on a footpath and bridleway - We don't really meet anyone and it helps me keep mentally and physically fit

[Sh66]

Like you birthday60 I also live in a small village so have been able to take a short walk some days to the green without seeing anyone. I am also sitting in the garden but keeping well away from the border to next door if they are out too.

Bit of sunshine, chest and hayfever permitting, and listening to the birds is keeping me sane.

Stay safe everyone.

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Your garden is your property. It is not shared and is private so yes you can go out into it.

[Superzob]

It is important to understand that shielding is advisory and there is no legislative requirement for it. But it does help you get assistance if you need it, which would not be available to someone who is not on the shielding list.

The point which I think is often missed in all this is to get people to reduce their contact with others to the greatest possible extent, giving priority to those at greatest risk. In my experience of enforcing legislation for 36 years, it is considered bad practice to legislate for what people do in their own homes and, other than gas and electrical safety, I can think of no case where this has been done on health grounds. So taking simple (and, let's face it, obvious) precautions when going about your own property is as much as anyone can expect.

[Amy2091]

I haven't had no texts (other than the standard one everyone had weeks ago) but I did get the shielding letter.. I too have a private garden and have been back and forth with laundry etc. I think we would be so run down and depressed if this was not allowed. So long as you are keeping distance from any neighbours I don't see the risk. I'd like to think the messages are referring to those without private space however... be careful if you are a hay fever sufferer as this could make you ill in itself x