Should You Report Neighbors for Not Social Distancing?

During the height of the pandemic, concerns about safety and public health have led many individuals to wonder if they should take action when they see their neighbors violating social distancing guidelines. This article explores the ethical and practical considerations and provides guidance on appropriate actions.

The Ethics and Reality of Reporting

The idea of reporting a neighbor for not social distancing can be tempting, especially when there are large gatherings of people who do not live together. However, it's important to consider the ethical and practical implications of such actions.

For instance, you can call if there are 15 or more individuals who do not live in your neighborhood. However, such actions often serve to merely create unnecessary conflict and spread misinformation. Unless law enforcement chooses to get involved, reporting neighbors for not social distancing is neither effective nor particularly beneficial.

Understanding the Guidelines

Let's clarify the guidelines regarding social distancing. The Safer at Home order may have different rules when it comes to social distancing on private property, especially among individuals who live together. According to the Safer at Home order in Wisconsin, people are not required to social distance on private property when living together, even during the transitional period.

The primary purpose of social distancing is to prevent the spread of the virus among individuals who do not live together. Therefore, it is important to understand that social distancing is not mandatory on private property.

Individual Freedom vs. Public Safety

Encroaching on someone else's private property or personal life to enforce social distancing guidelines can be seen as an infringement on individual freedom, and it may not necessarily contribute to public safety. It is crucial to respect people's personal choices within the boundaries of health and safety.

A neighbor who is not practicing social distancing may not be doing it out of malice or to be a "social pain in the ass," but rather due to a misguided understanding or simply not being aware of the guidelines. Instead of reporting them, you can try to have a conversation with them to educate them and encourage compliance.

Practical Alternatives to Reporting

If you are concerned about the behavior of your neighbors, there are more constructive ways to address the issue:

Education: Reach out to them politely and explain the importance of social distancing and how their actions can impact the community. Community Resources: Use local resources, such as community groups or websites, to share information and raise awareness about social distancing guidelines. Non-Intrusive Monitoring: If you have concerns, you could report the gathered crowd to local authorities or public health officials, but only if it poses a significant risk to the public health.

Conclusion: Mind Your Own Business, Not Your Neighbors' Actions

Essentially, the best course of action is to mind your own business and respect the personal choices of your neighbors. If you don't like how someone is socially distancing, the best (and often only) course of action is to move away or avoid interacting with them directly.

Remember, the goal should always be to promote public health and safety while respecting individual rights and freedoms. Reporting neighbors for not social distancing often does more harm than good and is unlikely to lead to significant changes in behavior or public health outcomes.