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We know we shouldn’t be visiting loved ones at home during lockdown, but as the weeks without any in-person contact shift into months, some of us are desperate for loopholes.  

You may have noticed neighbours catching up with family in their gardens, or perhaps you’ve bent the restrictions yourself, talking to a mate from the pavement as they stand at their front door. If you stay two metres apart, is it a problem? 

The government guidelines clearly state you shouldn’t be mixing with anyone outside your household, including elderly or vulnerable relatives. If you’re helping someone with shopping, medication or other essentials, you’re advised to drop the items at their door. But there’s no mention of stopping for a natter while you’re there. 

Dr Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist based at the University of Sussex, says meeting in a garden or drive is “potentially similar in terms of risk” as going to the supermarket – as long as you abide by the two-metre rule.

The problem is that we’re more likely to relax that distance in familiar environments with familiar people. Entering the house or coming into physical contact with someone outside your household could put you or them at risk, she adds, particularly if you have asymptomatic coronavirus. 

“Going over to someone’s garden or yard for a distancing cuppa may lead to you needing the loo or being relaxed when they pass you your drink and come close,” Dr Macciochi tells HuffPost UK. “There is also the issue of handling cups, or door knobs and gates, then accidentally touching your face soon after.” 

If all closeness and contact is avoided, Dr Macciochi says garden visits “do not necessarily” increase what experts call our “R-value”, the number that represents how many people the average person with the virus infects. However, she says there hasn’t been enough research to make a definitive call. 

“In truth, we don’t know,” she says. “But what it does do is cultivate a culture of it being ‘ok’ to bend the rules or capitalise on grey areas.” 

Dr Macciochi’s concern with garden meet-ups is that they result in complacency about the rules, potentially sending us down a slippery slope. “The more people hear of this happening, the more likely they are going to also engage in these behaviours and it may erode away at the government guidelines, which could have impact on the improvements that are being seen,” she says. 

It’s for similar reasons we are asked not to sunbathe or picnic in parks.

Of course, if you’re struggling with loneliness or poor mental health during lockdown, staying away from friends and family is easier said than done.

“We know that lots of people find their friends and family are instrumental in managing mental health problems,” says Rosie Weatherley, information content manager at Mind. “As lockdown measures have been extended, many of us will find we’re struggling with a lack of social contact, especially if we live alone.”

To manage these feelings safely, Weatherley highlights the value of regularly catching up via text, email, phone call or video call. It’s also really important to look after yourself by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and going outside to exercise once a day if you’re able to. 

“Although it might be tempting to bend the rules, especially if you see other people disregarding them, we’d recommend everyone follows the government’s guidance and stays at home,” she says. “These measures have been imposed to save lives and are only temporary.”

If you think that lack of social contact is severely impacting your mental health, you should speak to your GP. “Lots of surgeries are offering phone or video consultations at the moment,” says Weatherley. “If you’re feeling suicidal, self-harming or worried you can’t keep yourself safe, call 999 for an ambulance – a mental health emergency is as important as a physical health emergency.”

Useful websites and helplines:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.