This is how to have a socially distant barbecue according to an expert

Revellers planning to host a barbecue next week should consider one-way systems of travel around the grill and bringing their own condiments, an expert has said.

From June 1, groups of up to six people in England will be able to enjoy socially distanced meetings in parks and gardens, including hosting barbecues, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday.

Behavioural neuroscientist at the University of Reading's School of Psychology, Professor Patricia Riddell, said the Government guidelines around this are unclear, and recommended some measures those worried about spreading the virus could take to stay safe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prof Riddell said people should not feel obliged to meet larger groups just because it is legally allowed, but for those who do, their most important consideration is their guest list.

How to have a socially distant barbecueHow to have a socially distant barbecue
How to have a socially distant barbecue

"The first thing I would be doing is thinking who do I want to include in my group - who has been taking the same level of risk that I have and won't put me and my family at risk," she said.

"As harsh as it sounds, some people are on the front line and are exposed to the risk, and you need to be aware of the risk they might bring."

Prof Riddell recommended asking guests to bring their own cutlery, plates and condiments to reduce the risk of virus transmission through touching the same surfaces, and having only one person using the tongs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She also endorsed serving food on plates from a distance rather than everyone approaching the grill, setting out seats in advance for people to sit two metres apart, and sitting alongside each other rather than face to face.

"You could have routes of travel so people go round one way to the barbecue," she said.

"I think you could make it quite good fun, almost like an obstacle course or game.

"Instead of forcing rigid and hard rules, make it imaginative, creative and fun.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There's going to be greater pressure on us to do more, especially from our kids, and it's about how do you do it in a way that's fun but also takes into consideration that we are still at risk."

After announcing the new restrictions at a Downing Street press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "What you certainly can imagine is there could be meetings of families in a garden, you could even have a barbecue provided you did it in a socially distanced way, provided everyone washes their hands, provided everybody exercises common sense."

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, also told anyone planning such gatherings it was "absolutely critical" to maintain strong hygiene standards.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor