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A new restriction is being put into effect that will affect 1.5 million people in the West Midlands, but there is still an air of uncertainty.
The domestic ban, also known as the Birmingham blockade, is in effect today.
It affects those who live in the city, as well as Sandwell and Solihull, and to a large extent it means that people cannot enter other people’s houses and gardens.
However, that leaves a lot of questions, such as the trip to school, work, taking care of children, and more.
With help, Birmingham City Council has responded to many of these, detailed below. You can also find live updates on our dedicated live blog.
1. What are the new household restrictions in Birmingham?
Starting today, September 15, people who live in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull will not be able to mix with people they don’t live with, in their homes or gardens.
These new restrictions are taking effect for Birmingham, Sandwell, and Solihull to reduce rapidly increasing coronavirus infection rates.
2. What is considered a home?
Your home is defined as the people you live with and any bubbles of support.
Households that have formed a bubble of support with another single-adult household behave as if they all live in the same house.
3. What is considered a support bubble?
A support bubble is a close support network between a household with only one adult in the household and another household of any size.
Once you are in a bubble of support, you can think of yourself as one home with people from the other home. It means that you can have close contact with that household as if they were members of your own household.
Once you create a support bubble, you shouldn’t change who is in your bubble.
4. Can I keep going to pubs and restaurants?
Yes, they stay open and you can meet friends and family here as long as you follow the “rule of six” laws.
There are new rules for pubs and their patrons that must be followed.
5. Why can I go to work, school or pubs, but cannot visit other homes?
Birmingham City Council explained: “We understand that it can be frustrating to be able to go to these certain places but not visit your family and friends within your home.
“However, the reason these restrictions have been put in place is that the data shows that the infection rate has increased mainly due to social interactions, particularly in private family gatherings.
“In places like stores, cafes and restaurants, there are strict measures in place to ensure safety, while it is much easier to cause a spread in someone’s home where people are less alert.”
6. Can I meet other households in public outdoor spaces, for example, local parks?
Yes, these rules only apply to homes, including interiors and gardens. However, you must still meet the maximum numbers set out in the national guidelines.
7. Can I go meet a friend or family member at their home in an area that is not subject to these restrictions like Walsall?
No, and they can’t go home either.
8. Can I still travel to work or school?
People who live in and out of these areas can continue to travel for work or school. Workplaces and schools themselves should also implement security measures.
9. How are community activities like support groups, clubs, and classes affected?
Activities organized by community and voluntary organizations, including physical activity, education, providing support to vulnerable people, youth groups, charitable and volunteer work, may exceed the 6 person limit based on your individual risk assessment of Covid. However, special care should be taken to strictly follow the guidelines on social distancing, hand washing, and data collection from attendees for the purposes of locating contacts.
10. Can I have someone in my home (or go to someone’s home) to do repairs or other work?
You can go to other people’s houses for work purposes as long as you follow the national guidelines on how to work safely there. This includes limiting contact with customers, explaining your security measures to them, ensuring your staff are properly trained and understand what to do, and avoiding crowded areas. Check before you go to see if anyone in your clients’ home has symptoms.
11. Can I go to a wedding or funeral?
Weddings, civil association ceremonies, and funerals (including crematorium ceremonies) can still be performed if they meet the orientation and capacity of the venue, these are limited to a maximum number of 30 people updated in national guidelines.
People who live in Birmingham may travel to attend a wedding, civil association ceremony or funeral, but should not be reunited with another household in a private home or garden.
12. May I go to a place of worship?
You can attend a mosque, church, synagogue, temple, and other place of worship, but you must socially distance yourself from people outside your home. Also follow the guide that these establishments have established.
13. Can businesses that other households visit continue?
Businesses can continue as normal based on current national guidelines if they are safe for Covid.
14. Does this affect education?
All schools, universities, and other educational establishments must remain open and continue to allow all of their students to attend.
15. Is it necessary for students to cover their faces now in schools?
The only difference in educational settings as a result of the updated rules is that when students in grades 7 and above are educated, adults and students must cover their faces when moving around the premises, outside of classrooms, as in corridors and in communities. areas where social distancing cannot be easily maintained.
16. Does this affect the care of children?
All day care centers, babysitters, and after school / breakfast clubs must remain open and continue to allow all of their children and youth to attend.
17. What happens if a family member provides child care for me?
Friends or family members you do not live with should not visit your home to help with childcare unless they are part of your bubble of support. The only people who should help you with childcare in your home are the people you live with, the people in your support bubble, or registered childcare providers, including babysitters.
18. Is shielding being reintroduced for the vulnerable in the city?
No. These new restrictions only apply to home mixes in private homes and gardens.
19. What do I do if I see people who break the rules?
If you find people violating the restrictions, you can complete a restriction breach report form with the West Midlands Police.
If you are concerned that a business or place is not following government regulations, you can report it anonymously to the council.
20. How long can we expect these restrictions to last?
These restrictions will continue for as long as necessary to reduce coronavirus infection rates. They will be reviewed periodically with the Government.
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