Boris Johnson has tightened restrictions following a surge in Covid-19 infections in young people.
The most recent update from the Government on September 9 means that people can no longer socialise in groups of more than six from today, September 14.
The latest announcement could ruin the hopes that the rules on social distancing could be lifted by the end of the year. It is looking likely that the 2metre rule will stay in place for the ‘foreseeable future’.
At a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said: “In England from Monday [September 14] we’re introducing the rule of six. You must not meet socially in groups of more than six. And, if you do, you will be breaking the law.”
Education settings and workplaces are unaffected by these new rules.
This replaces the existing guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors and the cap on 30 people.
Limited exemptions related to support bubbles larger than six will apply and hospitality settings and places of worship can take in more than six people overall.
Sources say that the Government are now considering imposing national ‘curfews’ in a bid to keep businesses open but reduce the amount of people gathering. Opening hours of some venues could be restricted in some local areas. It comes after hospitality venues in Bolton were required to close between 10pm and 5am.
What are the new rules on social distancing?
The current “two household” rule, which has allowed up to 30 people from two different homes to meet up, has been scrapped so that all family and social gatherings of more than six people, both indoors and outdoors, will be illegal.
Weddings, funerals, Covid-secure team sports, schools, workplaces and households or “support bubbles” that have more than six people in them will all be exempt.
The two-metre rule has been reduced to one-metre social distancing, plus mitigation. The Prime Minister has said that the risk at ‘one-metre-plus’ is “broadly equivalent to the risk at two metres”.
Can I see my family and friends?
Families and friends are allowed to meet in groups of no more than six – but there is a ban on hugging or touching.
It will mean a family of five will only be allowed to meet one grandparent at a time, while families of six or more will be banned from meeting anyone at all.
There is a limited number of exemptions including weddings, funerals, Covid-secure team sports, schools, workplaces and households or “support bubbles” that have more than six people in them.
What is a support bubble?
On June 10 the Prime Minister announced that single-adult households – adults living alone, or single parents who have children under the age of 18 – would be able to form ‘support bubbles’ with one other household.
“All those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household, meaning they can spend time inside each other’s homes and do not need stay two metres apart,” Mr Johnson said.
He added that support bubbles must be exclusive, meaning that people cannot switch the house that they are in a bubble with, and cannot connect with multiple households. If one person in the bubble develops symptoms, all members will need to follow the advice on self-isolation for the following two weeks.
Anyone who is currently shielding due to medical vulnerability is not allowed to form or take part in a support bubble at this stage, but people who are currently shielding have been able to meet in groups from July 6.
What does this mean for hospitality businesses?
Venues where people meet socially, such as pubs, cafes and restaurants, will now be legally required to request contact details of every member of a party and retain the information for 21 days. Fines of £1,000 could be levied against hospitality venues if they fail to comply.
Additionally, opening hours of some venues could be restricted in some local areas. It comes after hospitality venues in Bolton were required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Pubs and restaurants etc can have more than six people in them, but they must not be in individual groups of more than six.
“Covid-secure marshals” will be introduced to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres in a bid to improve the enforcement capacity of local authorities.
Hospitality businesses are urged to make sure they fully understand and comply with the strict Trace & Trace rules. Find them here
When could social distancing end?
On September 9 the Prime Minister promised that the Government will work “round the clock” and that the UK will “beat this virus before too long”.
However Boris Johnson admitted “it is just too early to say” where the UK will be by Christmas.
The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, clarified that the new restrictions are “not a very short-term thing” and it is hard to put an exact time limit on them.
Furthermore, scientists have cautioned that predicting an end to social distancing is difficult and depends on how much the one-metre rule influences the R number. Scientists also argue that the UK would need an effective test and trace system before social distancing could be lifted.
How can businesses prepare?
In order to safeguard the public and your business, you must follow the guidance. We’ve put together some handy links for you:
- Updated Social Distance Measures
- Test & Trace Guidance for businesses
- Close Contact Services
- Working Safely Guidance for businesses
For the latest guidance and support, just for businesses, sign up to our weekly Coronavirus Business Support Newsletter here
Or, visit our Coronavirus Business Support Hub here
Compiled from sources: BBC News / Daily Telegraph