Allow sitting outside with social distancing

People should be allowed to go outside not just to actively exercise but should also be able to have a sit down, a picnic, sunbathe etc. with social distancing in place. ie. Individuals/household groups at least 3 metres apart.

Why the contribution is important

It makes no sense to stop people from doing something which has no harmful effect and will not contribute to spreading the virus. It is good for people to spend time outside and allowing this would especially benefit those who have limited mobility and can't easily exercise.

by brony on May 10, 2020 at 08:42PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 22 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Elaine44 May 10, 2020 at 20:55

    Totally agree, i am disabled and am able to exercise, can walk short distances only, feel very stuck indoors and left out when amount people can exercise is increased.

  • Posted by RuthBradley May 10, 2020 at 21:08

    being outside reduces the potential viral load in the air as a general rule but droplet and virus nuclei suspension happens in air in or outside. A public awareness campaign around safe distance dating would be of benfit. - sit 2m apart - dont pass each other items -and most importantly sit in such a way that the wind is blowing away (perdenticular) to you both, not wafting potential viral particles towards each other. Germany just released an infomercial around the effect of movement on the viral load of the air around a person and how running or cycling will elongate the virus laden air behind a person with little extension in front. The current idea that we walk around with a stable 2m sphere of virus infected air around us is not helpful for people to make effective risk assessments. My suggestion is to make Safe Distance dating tips infomercials and acknowledge the advancements in understanding how the virus interacts in the air.

  • Posted by KSTEPHEN May 10, 2020 at 21:10

    Completely agree. The chance of catching covid outside are much diminished in comparison to a confined space. Having police constantly move people who are sitting alone or with family groups is a complete waste of resources. Also you should be able to play other sport- limited to family group- such as frisbee or kicking a ball. Again police stopped 2 children from throwing a frisbee in a park today!

  • Posted by Elkie May 10, 2020 at 21:22

    It will happen soon, anyway, in unsafe ways. Much better to allow it now, with clear instructions, how to do it safely.

  • Posted by JaneySue May 10, 2020 at 21:24

    Completely agree. If it’s safe to chat to a friend one meets whilst out exercising then it’s safe to sit down with them outside. Allow us to meet another outside our household for a chat. Mental heath would be greatly improved because we all need human company.

  • Posted by Alimac2020 May 10, 2020 at 21:47

    Totally agree. As it stands what we are basically being told to do is social distance from complete strangers in eg queues for shops / chemist / exercising. Why is it any different to sit with a family member / friend / partner at the correct social distance? I honestly dont get this - the government are taking about getting people back to work, opening schools, opening up hospitality - ARE THEY FUNDAMENTALLY MISSING THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WANT TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE?

  • Posted by RuthSR May 10, 2020 at 21:53

    I think being able to sit outside, or sunbathe, with social distancing would be fairer for all and allow more people to benefit from being outside. Some people have gardens to sit in but many don't. Some people are not able to exercise but would benefit from spending time outside. Sitting or lying in a park, well away from others, does no-one harm.

  • Posted by phillipa May 10, 2020 at 22:33

    Agree totally. Madness that you can go to supermarkets and exercise outside alongside many people so long as you keep social distance but you are not allowed to use the same practice with a family member or friend. People need to be trusted, we keep being told that the scottish government want to have an adult conversation with us but then treat us as imbeciles. Social distance means social distance regardless of who you are with!

  • Posted by Hamiltoes May 10, 2020 at 22:52

    Agreed. There is increasing evidence low levels of Vitamin D can negatively harm your chances when it comes to Coronavirus. It makes no sense to keep people indoors, especially those who live in flats or have no private gardens.

  • Posted by dodo1956 May 10, 2020 at 23:52

    Let us meet our close families/friends outside with social distancing either in gardens or parks before we all end up going completely crazy! Life without family or friends is no life at all - heartbreaking.

  • Posted by AMMAC May 10, 2020 at 23:54

    Totally agree with the comments above re fairness. We are fortunate to have a garden to relax in but feel incredibly sorry for those in flats, especially those with children. Let them out into the parks to sit or play as long as they continue to practise sensible social distancing.

  • Posted by Nixxy_1987 May 11, 2020 at 00:12

    Totally agree with this, if you are keeping the 2m distance or more then you are harming nobody. What is the difference doing this than going food shopping, keeping your 2m distance. Going shopping has a higher risk as you are not in open air and most people who are in shops aren't even sticking to social distancing.

  • Posted by monobloc May 11, 2020 at 07:47

    Absolutely so long as the public stick by the social distancing rule
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