Staying At Home

[AndiFlatland]

I know how important it is for us all to stay safe and keep at least 2 metres away from other people. However...
For years and years, during the warmer weather, I've taken the opportunity to sit outside the front door of the multi-occupied house (4 flats) where I live in a very uncomfortable and cluttered flat, in a busy southwest London suburb. To the side of the front steps, there is a concrete plinth which used to serve as a coal-hole, and I put a cushion on that and sit in the sunshine and read or write, often chatting with my many nearby friends who pass by (not so many these days, I'm guessing).
The place where I sit is at least 2 metres from the front gate where people stand to have a chat.
Under the current rules, would I be breaking the law by sitting there, as I am still 'within' my own home, albeit outside?

[shoota]

If you are still within the curtilage of your property, ie in the garden, then - no problem.

[TheDevil]

sounds fine.

[bednobs]

you might want to speak to your neighbours and let them know in case they want to go out and have to walk past you

[jno]

sounds okay, if it's well back from the street (and it would help if it was away from the front path, if anyone comes calling). It should count as a garden (imo, anyway).

[Arrods]

Last night about 4 households, neighbouring and opposite, were sitting on their respective front drives 'socialising' but obeying the 2 metre rule. I felt it was against the spirit of the rules, but couldn't see how it was breaking them as such.

[237SJ]

I can't see how that is much different from people coming out onto their front doorsteps and clapping for the NHS which they have been encouraged to do.

[Maydup]

It should be fine as long as nobody is forced to walk within 2m of you in order to enter the property, collect the rubbish, make a delivery or such like.

[Peter Pedant]

yes --- as in yes you can do it

[AndiFlatland]

Thanks everybody - that all sounds pretty positive. I'm going to try and make the best of the sunshine while we've got it.
As for other people coming in and out... well, the other residents may wish to go out or come in, in which case I can move if they think it's necessary - but I've just shared a pack of face masks with them; the postman can just drop my mail over the front gate on to the path; refuse disposal guys come round far too early, so I won't be there at 7 or 8am; and delivery drivers and neighbours can see me well before they reach the gate, so again, I can move if I have to. So I can't see a problem.
Thanks for your answers, stay safe, and keep the narrow side down!

[AndiFlatland]

PS: What do you reckon? We should have an anthem to sing for the Thursday night applause sessions... how about Roger McGough comes out of retirement, writes some new lyrics and issues a re-recorded version of Thank U Very Much? The first line is obvious: Thank U Very Much for the NHS...

[TonyV]

Being outside and getting some sun is helping your moral, both mentally and physically, you are taking all the precautions you can. Carry on.