COVID-19 Update

The Coronavirus update of 7 September 2020 has introduced new guidelines on how we can meet and socialise whilst still protecting ourselves from infection.

The rule of 6 is the most notable change which means that from Monday 14 September, we can’t socially meet with people from other households in groups of more than 6. This applies indoors and outdoors, including in private homes.

The most notable symptoms still include:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

The best advice still seems to be:

• Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.

NHS Test and Trace

• From 18 September, it will be mandatory for certain businesses to have a system to collect NHS Test and Trace data and keep this for 21 days.
• Core COVID-19 Secure requirements will be mandated for hospitality businesses, and egregious breaches enforced. 

Audiences

• The government will review plans to pilot larger audiences in venues this month.
• Planned sports pilot events will be limited to smaller numbers with strict conditions to ensure social distancing and will not take place in areas where incidence is high. 

Opening Hours

• The government may alter the opening hours of particular businesses in areas of high infection

Can you visit people indoors?

Yes, however there is a limit on the number of people you don’t live with you are able to meet. When meeting with people you don’t live with you can socialise in groups of up to 6.

Rule of 6 Exceptions

There are exceptions where groups can be larger than 6 people, including:

• for work, or the provision of voluntary or charitable services
• registered childcare, education or training
• supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups
• providing support to a vulnerable person
• providing emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm
• for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents
• fulfilling a legal obligation such as attending court or jury service
• weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions – up to 30 people, in a public place
• funerals – up to 30 people. This does not include wakes, other than for religious ceremonial purposes.
• other religious and belief-based life cycle ceremonies – up to 30 people, in a public place. This only covers the ceremonies, and does not include celebrations of these events.
• organised sport or exercises classes or licensed outdoor physical activity. This does not include informal sport or fitness activity with family or friends – this must be limited to a group of 6.
• elite sporting competition and training
• support groups – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, recovering addicts, new parents, people with long-term illnesses, those facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.
• protests – if organised in compliance with COVID-19 Secure guidance

If you require support around the latest guidance, or if you want to find out how we can work in partnership with you to benefit your business, you can contact a member of the team on 01522 370190 or 020 7110 0006 or email us at info@amicahr.co.uk .