Don’t let your enthusiasm to meet up again increase your risk of Coronavirus (Covid-19)
See also Covid Update 14th Sep
All LALG activities must be Coronavirus (Covid-19) compliant and in line with the latest government guidance.
The government has published and continues to update its guidance and frequently asked questions on staying alert and staying safe outside of your home.
Before you arrange any gatherings you must make yourselves aware of what you can and can't do.
It remains the case that you should not:
- socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
- socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles
- interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
- hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines
- stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household)
Here is some activity specific advice that we would also like to draw your attention to:
- Going to a pub or restaurant with members of another household (this includes cafes)
When eating or drinking out with people you do not live with, you should only meet one other household if you are seated indoors.
If you are eating or drinking outdoors, you can do so with one other household or in a group of up to 6 people from different households. You should take care to limit your interactions with anyone outside the group you visit these places with.
In all cases, people from different households (unless in support bubbles) should ensure they socially distance as much as possible. Premises should also take reasonable steps to help you do so in line with COVID-19 secure principles.
You can also minimise the risk of spreading infection by following some key principles. You should:
- continue to follow strict social distancing guidelines when you are with anyone not in your household or your support bubble
- take hygiene precautions by washing your hands as soon as you are home for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitiser when you are out, use a tissue when sneezing and dispose of it safely, and cough into the crook of your elbow
- form a support bubble with one other household, and if you or they are in a single adult household. You should not change or add to your support bubble once formed
- access private gardens externally wherever possible – if you need to go through someone else’s home to do so, avoid touching surfaces and loitering
- avoid using toilets in other people’s home (outside of your support bubble) wherever possible and wipe down surfaces as frequently as possible
- using disinfectant, wipe down any surfaces or door handles people from outside of your household or support bubble come into contact with if walking through your home
- avoid sharing plates and utensils with people outside of your household or your support bubble
- avoid using paddling pools or other garden equipment with people outside of your household or bubble
- Gatherings in COVID-19 secure venue
When meeting friends and family, even in venues like restaurants, pubs, places of worship or community centres, you should follow the guidance on gatherings and:
- only meet indoors in groups up to 2 households – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
- only meet outdoors in a group of no more than 2 households or in a group of up to 6 people from different households
Anyone in your support bubble counts as one household.
Clubs or groups can begin to meet again in COVID-19 secure venues. However, you should take care to remain socially distant from anyone you do not live with or is not in your support bubble. You should also limit social interaction with anyone outside of these formal activities even if you see other people you know. Venues should ensure they comply with COVID-19 secure guidelines.
It’s against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces), or in a public outdoors space, unless planned by an organisation in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidance. The government will be introducing fines for those who facilitate or organise illegal gatherings of over 30 people.
The Committee has issued information, agreed with LALG’s insurers, about restarting events. Details can be found here.
Finally, you may also find the local council information of interest and support.
https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/emergency-planning/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-and-support/coronavirus-information-and-advice
https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/26/public_health/737/coronavirus_-_covid-19
Coronavirus (Covid-19) is still a threat to our health in the UK and we all need to take responsibility to reduce the risks.
