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What is changing?
The law is being changed to ban almost all outdoor gatherings of more than six people in England. While the guidelines had previously set a limit of six for most circumstances, beyond community events, weddings and the like, so far the only statutory limit was 30 people. That limit has already been lowered and will take effect on Monday. The rules for indoor interaction, limiting this to no more than two homes or bubbles, remain the same. Weddings, funerals, and other similar events haven’t changed either.
Why is this done?
Two reasons. One is that something had to be done to stem the rapid rise in Covid infection figures, with daily cases in the UK skyrocketing to nearly 3,000 on Sunday and Monday, and more than 2,400 on Tuesday, well above. of any period since the initial peak of the pandemic. But also, the police had warned ministers that the legal limit of 30 made it difficult for them to divide important meetings.
What about local closures?
These are still being carried out, for example the new rules announced for Bolton, which means that restaurants can only offer takeout, and many night trade deals are closed. The new rules are intended to work in parallel.
What am I forbidden to do?
In the most basic terms, being outdoors with more than five people, whether in a garden, a park, outside a pub or anywhere else. The only exceptions are if your household or support bubble is larger; for “work or educational purposes”; for events such as weddings or funerals; or organized team sports that are held safely with Covid. Full guidance on exceptions is promised before the new rules go into effect.
Can I have a children’s birthday party in the park?
No, unless it is quite small. The rule about meetings of more than six people applies to all ages.
Is this changing in other parts of the UK too?
It remains to be seen as those rules carry over. In Scotland, the roof of outdoor gatherings is placed in five homes (outdoors) or three homes (indoors). In Wales, up to 30 people can still meet outdoors, while the guidance indoors is that people should not meet ‘with anyone other than a member of their household (or extended home) unless they have good reason’.
Will I be fined if I break the new rules?
Potentially. While the first response from the police will be ‘involve, explain and encourage’, failure to do so could result in a £ 100 fine, which will be doubled for each repeat offense up to £ 3,200.
