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Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules? Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?
(3 days later)
England and Scotland are reducing the number of people allowed to meet socially to six, amid a rise in coronavirus cases. England and Scotland have reduced the number of people allowed to meet socially to six, amid a rise in coronavirus cases.
Wales is also cutting the numbers who can meet to six - but only indoors.Wales is also cutting the numbers who can meet to six - but only indoors.
What are the new rules on socialising?What are the new rules on socialising?
In England, the limit of six people from multiple households starts on Monday. In England, the limit of up to six people from multiple households meeting up applies both indoors and outdoors, and to all ages.
It will apply both indoors and outdoors, and to all ages. So, gatherings in private homes, venues like pubs and restaurants, and in outdoor spaces like parks are all affected.
So, gatherings in private homes, venues like pubs and restaurants, and in outdoor spaces like parks will all be affected. In Scotland, a maximum of six people from two households can meet. Unlike England, children under 12 - from those two households - will not be included in the total.
In Scotland, a maximum of six people from two households can meet from Monday. Unlike England, children under 12 will not be included. In Wales, it is now illegal for more than six people from an extended household to meet indoors. Children aged 11 and under from the extended household do not count in the total. Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside.
In Wales, from Monday it will be illegal for more than six people from an extended household to meet indoors. The rule will not apply to children aged 11 and under. Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside.
Northern Ireland has not announced any changes.Northern Ireland has not announced any changes.
Can I still go to the pub or to a place of worship?
Yes. Pubs, restaurants, shops and other venues will remain open, but people can only attend in groups of up to six.
Venues should also allow for social distancing between groups.
Similarly, places of worship may remain open but with a limit of six people attending per group.
Will any social events of more than six be allowed?Will any social events of more than six be allowed?
Some gatherings of more than six people will be allowed in England, for example: Exceptions allowed in England include:
If you live in a household of more than six you can gather in public or private. However, you will not be able to join with anyone from outside of your household. Weddings, funerals and special religious occasions can go ahead with up to 30 people attending, in groups of six or less. However, celebrations afterwards are limited to weddings or civil partnerships.
If you attend a protest, political event or other permitted outdoor event, you should attend in a group no larger than six. Although you might know others at the event, it is against the law to "mingle" with anyone outside your designated group.
Can I still go to the pub or to a place of worship?
Yes. Pubs, restaurants, shops and other venues will remain open, and there is no limit on how many can enter them, if they comply with safety rules and allow for social distancing.
However, each individual group can have no more than six people in it. Venues should also allow for social distancing between groups.
Similarly, places of worship can have as many people in them as is safe to do so. However, people can only attend in groups of six or less.
What are the rules for sports?
You can play organised indoor and outdoor sports in groups of more than six, if the sport's governing body has published safety guidance.
But if you play sports informally with people you don't live with, you must not play with more than six people.
So, for example, a Sunday League football match can still go ahead, but you can only have a kickabout in the park if six or less people take part.
Group exercise classes are also exempt from the rule of six, where they are being organised under Covid-secure guidelines.
Can I be fined for breaking the rules?Can I be fined for breaking the rules?
The new measures will mean groups larger than six can be broken up by police. The new measures mean police can break up groups larger than six.
Members of the group can be fined if they fail to follow the rules. This will be £100 for a first offence, doubling on each further offence up to £3,200.Members of the group can be fined if they fail to follow the rules. This will be £100 for a first offence, doubling on each further offence up to £3,200.
The government says: "Putting the new, lower limit in law will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings.
What is the guidance on social distancing?What is the guidance on social distancing?
Each UK nation is advising people to stay 2m (6ft) away from anyone they don't live with. However, there are some differences:Each UK nation is advising people to stay 2m (6ft) away from anyone they don't live with. However, there are some differences:
What about shopping or public transport?What about shopping or public transport?
Face coverings are compulsory if you are using public transport across the UK. Face coverings are compulsory on public transport and in shops across the UK.
Some people are exempt, such as those with certain medical conditions. Some people are exempt, such as those with certain medical conditions and shop workers while on duty.
Coverings must be worn in shops in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - and will be compulsory from Monday in Wales. What if I get symptoms and have to self-isolate?
Shop workers are exempt.
What if I get symptoms?
You should self-isolate by staying at home for 10 days and arrange to get tested.You should self-isolate by staying at home for 10 days and arrange to get tested.
The symptoms are:The symptoms are:
If your test is positive, you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation. Anyone you live with should self isolate for 14 days (from the time you started having symptoms).If your test is positive, you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation. Anyone you live with should self isolate for 14 days (from the time you started having symptoms).
Contact tracers will also get in touch with people with positive results. Contact tracers will also contact people with positive results.
Do I have to social distance myself from everyone?Do I have to social distance myself from everyone?
The only people you do not have to distance yourself from are those you live with or, if you are in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland, people in your support bubble. Everyone except people you live with or, if you are in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland, anyone in your support bubble.
Single adults living alone or single parents with children under 18 can "bubble" with one other household of any size with no social distancing.Single adults living alone or single parents with children under 18 can "bubble" with one other household of any size with no social distancing.
In Wales, you do not have to social distance if you are in an "extended household".In Wales, you do not have to social distance if you are in an "extended household".