Can we use the garden?

[aloneifly]

The text for the very vulnerable group says stay indoors.

Are people using their garden?

I have been but now am confused.

In this nice weather in Sussex it's going to be difficult to stay inside.

What's your interpretation of the guidance?

[Tingy]

I left a reply earlier in response to this point stating that I think the message is generic and has to cater for people who live in an apartment and may not have access to a private garden. That’s my view and I’ve been out in my garden this morning listening and watching the birds and looking over the fields at the bottom of my garden on this lovely sunny day.

Hope you keep safe and well as we’re going to be confined to barracks for a minimum of 12 weeks! Take care x

[Santoshax in reply to Tingy]

How beautiful for you - Nature on your doorstep- what a blessing 🌈💐🌈. Enjoy Helen 🇦🇺

[Tingy in reply to Santoshax]

Thank you. I’ve been in the garden again today listening to the birds, watching the butterflies and even heard a woodpecker hammering away on the trees in the photo. It does help to take my mind off the current situation for a while.

Take care Helen

[Santoshax in reply to Tingy]

That sounds wonderful - it’s time for my morning coffee - creature of habit - my one indulgence at 11am ish.

The sun is glistening a beautiful clear blue sky with some fluffy clouds peeking through.

My front garden awaits me - (a high fence and distance making a safe space). A couple of splendid trees and flowers providing me a safe haven —amidst all the sadness- doom and gloom worldwide- I’m so grateful.

House windows wide open - Rod Stewart crooning away -

A pleasant diversion.

Stay safe - & just a little brave - both to you and yours and to all our community ❤️🌈❤️. Helen from Australia & Bella the cat (my immediate bubble) xxx

[Havemercy]

I am going to use our garden. Loads to do and high hedges between me and neighbours. We will shout through the hedge!

[81ue]

Outside is okay, with the precaution: If you're neutropenic, then don't garden (avoid bacterial infection)

[Ernest2 in reply to 81ue]

Hi 81ue,

Some of us have gardened with neutropenia, BUT always wear gloves, and don't stir up clouds of compost. I'm afraid when I was having FCR because I didn't know the end result, I just decided to get on with the garden because I didnt know how long in the future I might be able to do it, or be around at all. Only do it though if you enjoy it and it is sensible for you, and take precautions. I'm sure it had a great positive effect on my recovery.

Also now its sunny, don't forget your hat, we are more predisposed to skin problems, and the fewer avoidable patients the better.

Best wishes,

Ernest

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to Ernest2]

AND if you are stirring the dirt, wear a mask--there is also a risk of fungal infections and the lungs and upper respiratory are fungal favorites.

[Whatayear in reply to 81ue]

But if it your garden, shouldn't you be ok ? As long as you know what goes in your garden ?

[Sepsur]

I asked my consultant that too today, he said, “ I would prefer you to be out walking your dogs than sat in at home with your family.” So yes I am going to sit in my garden.

I live in a small village & am caught in a dilemma, my consultant says “Go out in the open air AWAY from people”, but the guidelines state that I should stay in, the same directives as the one that all my lovely friends & neighbours have read, the same people that are very kindly running around picking up what I can’t get ordered.

So I am marooned by ‘public opinion’ of how I should behave too.

[cajunjeff in reply to Sepsur]

I think rules are made to be interpreted with common sense. Covid is passed from human to human through social contact and touching shared surfaces. I can think of zero reason we cant be in our yards or gardens by ourselves. I dont see the police rounding up people walking alone in their gardens.

Sepsur, if you get caught in some police roundup of cll desperadoes, call me and I'll get you out. I know people in low places.

[Sepsur in reply to cajunjeff]

🤣🤣

[Santoshax in reply to cajunjeff]

😂🤣😂 - thanks for the chuckle 🤣😂🤣. Helen 🇦🇺

[AR0613]

I am going out with my dog very early... 5.30-6.00am. I see one or two people in the distance. My Trial nurse told me yesterday that that’s ok so long as I am sensible and stay well away from other people. I don’t touch anything or sit on a park bench. I understand the need for extreme caution...

[Red49]

Hi I live in Canada but I have been following these NHS posts with great interest as we have nothing of the kind here. I finished FCR six weeks ago my last lymphocyte count was .44 so good chance it's still very low. Having said that I do live in an apartment but I still have taken my dog out for a walk. I have not run into anyone in the halls or elevators as of yet if I do I am prepared to wait for next elevator I will not be sharing with anyone. I am able to walk in a subdivision behind the building where I have yet to see anyone. For me fresh air and sunshine is vital to getting through this while being extremely cautious.

I can not understand how being in your own garden or private backyard can make you vulnerable to the virus. Maybe this is a blanket statement as someone else had mentioned? I don't know but we are in for a very long road with nicer weather approaching if I had my own yard I would be in it and at this time I wish so much I did..just my opinion.

[gillbale]

Hello

I am in Sussex too.

Live in a ground floor flat with a garden which is exposed to people walking by.

My husband allows me to walk to our shed which is 20 steps there and back and is about 15 feet from the gate.

I am doing this every couple of hours

And then wash my hands when I come in.

It can be confusing at times but i am going by the guidelines of not being anywhere near anyone plus another 6 feet so could not touch anyone even if I wanted to.

Take care

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to gillbale]

Wearing gloves? touching elevator buttons, etc. I agree there is a need for fresh air and being outside.

[CguLLer]

Another one from "Good Old Sussex by the Sea" here!

I have been in my garden today, putting up some new trellis for our climbing roses.

I can understand the reason for the generic advice as it leaves no room for misinterpretation. However if you have a private back garden I can see absolutely no reason why you should not be out there. In fact surely its better than being cooped up inside. Gardens are also good for your mental welfare and in these anxious times physical and mental health are important.

Stay safe

David

[CguLLer]

Sussex Won’t be Druv

Some folks as come to Sussex,

They reckons as they know -

A durn sight better what to do

Than simple folks, like me and you,

Could possibly suppose.

But them as comes to Sussex,

They mustn't push and shove,

For Sussex will be Sussex,

And Sussex won't be druv!

Mus Wilfred come to Sussex,

Us heaved a stone at he,

Because he reckoned he could teach

Our Sussex fishers how to reach

The fishes in the sea.

But when he dwelt among us,

Us gave un land and luv,

For Sussex will be Sussex,

And Sussex won't be druv!

All folks as come to Sussex

Must follow Sussex ways -

And when they've larned to know us well,

There's no place else they'll wish to dwell

In all their blessed days -

There ant no place like Sussex,

Until ye goos above,

For Sussex will be Sussex,

And Sussex won't be druv.

W Victor Cook 1914

[ornstin]

Yes, I sat in the sun in our garden yesterday. Also I don't think it would do the slightest harm if I took our little dog (Chihuahua mix) for a 15 minute walk round the block, but the rules don't allow it and my wife very much against me leaving our property..

[aloneifly]

Had a text today fro NHS which mentions being in the garden. So question answered- yes you can go outside to the garden if you are lucky enough to have one!