COVID-19 has undeniably upended our lives, and one of the hardest aspects has been the inability to connect with friends. While my circle may be small, my affection for these individuals is immense, and I sorely miss our face-to-face interactions. Inspired by my brother-in-law’s family, who have been engaging in yard visits with their loved ones throughout the pandemic, I decided to give it a try.
With the recent easing of the stay-at-home order issued by my state’s governor — a decision that some may question — we began allowing visitors into our yard. Yes, I know it sounds a bit unconventional, but hear me out.
What Exactly Are Yard Visits?
Yard visits, which might seem like a quirky Southern tradition, involve friends gathering in someone’s yard while maintaining a safe distance of over six feet. This practice emerged from our collective feelings of isolation. Aside from my immediate family, my interactions have been limited to the occasional enthusiastic shout of gratitude to delivery personnel — a vital lifeline during these times. However, those brief exchanges hardly qualify as meaningful conversation.
The longing for genuine human connection is palpable. When my friend Sam suggested a yard visit, we quickly set up some outdoor furniture, opened the gate to avoid contact, and waited eagerly. I felt a wave of emotion as he approached, navigating between the flower beds to take a seat at our black metal table.
Understanding the Safety of Yard Visits
Our approach to yard visiting is akin to treating the situation as a high-risk environment. We adopt the mindset that we could all potentially be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, necessitating heightened safety measures. In essence, we are both healthy and sick until proven otherwise.
To ensure safety, our gatherings occur at a minimum distance of ten feet, ideally in sunny conditions with a slight breeze. We’ve established a “Safety Zone” using metal chairs that are strategically placed to maximize space while keeping children at a safe distance. This exceeds the CDC’s recommended six feet.
Research supports our precautions. Experts, including Paul Dabisch from the Department of Homeland Security, have indicated that sunlight, heat, and humidity can significantly reduce the survival of the virus. Studies have shown that outdoor transmission is exceedingly rare, reinforcing the idea that meeting outside with appropriate distancing can mitigate risk.
Applying Safety Measures During Yard Visits
During these visits, we often find ourselves raising our voices to be heard across the yard while ensuring we adhere to guidelines such as wearing masks and maintaining distance. Despite the challenges, the experience transforms into a cherished moment away from our usual routines.
Suddenly, the presence of a friend brings a sense of joy and connection that feels almost nostalgic. Conversations flow freely, and we delve into shared interests and amusing anecdotes, feeling as if we’ve ventured into a simpler time. When our friends depart, we feel revitalized, our spirits lifted and sanity restored, even if we had to shout about the latest superhero movie trends or local gossip.
In these unprecedented times, yard visits have proven to be a lifeline, a small yet significant gift that reminds us of the importance of human connection. And yes, the neighbors might overhear our spirited discussions about pop culture, but that’s just part of the charm.
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Summary
Yard visits have become a much-needed source of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing friends to gather safely outdoors while adhering to health guidelines. These encounters foster a sense of community and companionship, reminding us of the importance of social interactions even in challenging times.