The guidelines
The more people we interact with, the more chance the virus has to spread - this fact has not changed. We have shown we can reduce the rate of infection by following the rules - washing our hands, covering our face and keeping our space.
How many people can you meet up with
- The more interactions you have the more likely it is that the virus will spread so in Tier 3:
- You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of your household, support or childcare bubble. This includes private homes and indoors in hospitality venues, such as pubs and restaurants.
- You must not meet with people outside your household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues. Find out more.
Will the rules be enforceable
Yes. The police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notice) of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.
What makes up a household?
A household is a group of people that share a home, i.e. the people you live with.
- You don't need to socially distance from anyone in your household (ie the people you live with).
What makes up a support bubble?
A support bubble is a close support network between a household with only one adult in the home (known as a single-adult household) and one other household of any size.
- You don't need to socially distance from anyone in your legally-permitted bubble.
Do children count in the six?
- Yes. But remember everyone who lives together, or who have created a support bubble, make up a household that can be bigger than 6 people.
Can I look after my grandchildren?
Yes - if you have, or do, form a childcare or support bubble.
- A childcare bubble is where someone in one household provides informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household. This must always be between the same 2 households.
- Friends or family who do not live with you and are not part of a support or childcare bubble must not visit your home to help with childcare. Childcare bubbles are to be used to provide childcare only, and not for the purposes of different households mixing where they are otherwise not allowed to do so.
What about going to the pub or a restaurant?
Venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host more than 6 people overall, but no one should visit in a group of more than six. When you visit a pub for a meal, shop, leisure venue, restaurant or place of worship you should:
- only attend a restaurant with others from your own household
- avoid social interaction with anyone outside the group you are with, even if you see other people you know
- provide your contact details, either manually or via the NHS App QR, to the organiser so that you can be contacted by NHS Test and Trace if needed.
What if it's hard to socially distance?
The Government recognises it may not be possible or practicable to maintain social distancing when providing care to a young child, or person with a disability or health condition. You should do your best to limit your close contact as much as possible when providing care in these situations, and also wash your hands and opening windows for ventilation can help.