Two states have recently issued pre-Thanksgiving orders prohibiting all “nonessential” interactions among people from 2 households, even outdoors, even with masks. So yes, somebody is saying that it’s no longer safe to do that. https://twitter.com/alexjohnlondon/status/1329144646019248131

Harm reduction isn’t about redefining the purpose of public health in terms of individual needs & desires. It’s about acknowledging that individual needs & desires *will* affect behavior more than public health commands & finding ways to reduce the associated harms.

Abstinence only (*no* social interactions among households, no matter the circumstances) is therefore less effective than harm reduction (no large gatherings among many households & here’s some advice about how to make very small gatherings safer). Eg Kentucky allows 2 households

Even if collective supports (patio heaters & fire pits for all) aren’t forthcoming, the least we can do is refrain from prohibiting outdoor interactions. Doing so risks driving the interactions that *will* occur indoors where the neighbors can’t see.

We should also be doing everything we can to open up more public space for outdoor dining/picnicking. Many states & locals have removed/cordoned off picnic tables in public parks. They should stop doing that, even if they can’t provide outdoor heaters & fire pits for all.

Harm reduction isn’t only about spending. It’s also about accommodating/removing regulatory barriers for safer alternatives to restricted activities.