Did no one know gatherings at home were limited to 2 households?

[Grottyfeet]

So the only permitted Eid celebrations were having one brother and his family round, or one set of GPs, unless you all live together, in which case there's no change anyway?

I haven't had anyone in my house because the weather here has been lovely and we've stuck to outdoor gatherings, where up to six are allowed, but I have been vaguely aware it was only two households allowed to meet indoors. Even in the pub you're only supposed to meet up with one other household.

It does seem to have been a shocking failure of communication though.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation

The professional footballers all need a clear test before they're allowed to play so that is a bit different.

@frasersmummy

What I don't understand is why Arsenal were allowed to hug each other and jump all over one another today when they won.

Why is that allowed

They need negative tests to play

frasersmummy they are classed as elite athletes according to guidelines - not sure how hugging etc. fits in to this group’s guidelines, but they do have their own set of rules.

Ahh I didn't know about the testing.. Thanks..i was just shouting at the telly.. Social bloody distancing!!!.. Oops

The risk for professional footballers is very low because they need a negative test to play, but probably unwise in terms of managing public behaviour

Likewise with weddings - once in a lifetime (hopefully) event, incredibly important event to include families, money for the wedding venue - 30 people worth the risk. 30 people in your house for your 37th birthday party which could be spent just as easily with your immediate family - not worth the risk.

The weddings with 30 people was going to be happening this month but is one of the things that has been reversed so is now not allowed.

Big party in the house behind me today, absolutely no way they were following guidelines, at least 20 people plus children. It's been going on since lunchtime and they are now so drunk they're not even able to shout anymore. While in normal times it wouldn't even cross my mind and indeed I'd be quite happy to party in the same way, it has really pissed me off. No I haven't reported it, there is really no point, people are doing what they want and that is up to them but I do fear for the repercussions of things like this. It's just so irresponsible and the reason why this sodding thing will hang around so much longer.

Some of you are more clued up than me so could someone answer this please? We are in one of the newly locked down areas. Can we go and visit family inside/outside their home in a non-lockdown area? Can we go on holiday with another family from our own area if we go elsewhere ? We've been very cautious throughout this pandemic and have paid attention to the various pronouncements, but genuinely cannot find the answer, so now confused.

@Grottyfeet

I thought it was 2 households in gardens, 6 people in public outdoor spaces?

But god knows how many in a spin class, which are back up and running at my gym now, looked like 20+ in the photos (I won't be going)

I’ve just looked and it says 6 people outside, doesn’t mention anything about gardens or parks.

And yes I don’t understand why I can do a spin class with my friends but can’t have lunch with them?

I think you can nannieann. You're not locked in the area and when you're elsewhere the rules in that area will apply. Makes no sense and of course you could end up super spreaders but...

I think you can meet outside in parks etc but not in gardens / houses.
Hancock made a mistake when answering something close to your first question & it was then corrected.
You can not go inside someones house, in or outside of your area.

I'm assuming based on that, that means no you technically can't holiday with another household but that's just me assuming, I haven't heard/read anything about holidays

I admit I'm confused about what we can and can't do. We're planning to meet up with family in my parents' garden (12 people, 4 households) in a couple of weeks time. Is this allowed?

Sorry my last post was in reply to @nannieann

I dont think so Rachel1350. It's either 2 households (which could be any number of people, I think) or up to six people from multiple households.

@Rachel1350 that would be against what it says in the guidance. Up to 6 people or 2 households.

No @Rachel1350 , the rules are 6 people maximum. I'd personally feel though that if I can socially distance from anyone not in my house and not go indoors then I'd be happy enough to do it. If there isn't enough room I wouldn't

Guidance on how many can meet indoors and outdoors and how many households is here www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#social-contact-and-events

Obviously this is not for the lockdown areas.

I didn't know.

I really have lost all interest in “the roolz.”

And that's the problem! Not only have so many people lost interest in them but they are mocking those who are still sticking by them by using that spelling and making us sound like mindless sheep.

The most commonly broken (English) rules seem to be:

• You can only meet indoors with one other household.
• You must social distance with that one other household unless they are your support bubble.

And the reasons behind the new lockdown is (according to the media) a rise in cases which track and trace is linking to indoor contact between family and friends.

So disregarding those specific rules because 'they're my family/friends, I want to hug them, I want to see them, it won't make any difference, I don't care anymore' etc is what is causing the problem.

How can so many people say they don't know. It's written down. It hasn't changed much. It's the media that fuck about and say maybe this and maybe that, but the government guidance has always been clear.

What is more troubling is that 30% of people refuse to give contact details to test and trace. That could and should be made legally compulsory, with fines for non compliance.

I also think the rules are fairly straightforward. I was a bit confused on the 6 vs 30 thing but I've looked it up and think I have got things straight now.

As far as I can tell, the rules in England are:

• Outside - you can meet up to 5 other people from up to 5 other households. You must stay 1m+ apart always and 2m apart where possible. Same rules for a garden or a public space.
• Inside private residences - you can meet unlimited numbers from 1 other household only. You must stay 1m+ apart always and 2m apart where possible unless they are in your support bubble in which case they count as your own household. That would mean 3 households could meet as long as 2 of them are a support bubble.
• Inside public spaces - you should only be sharing a table with one other household. You still need to socially distance or wear a mask.
• Up to 30 people can meet outside as long as they are only from 2 households (that's the one I'm least clear on as 2 families of 15 would be VERY unusual!) or (I think) if it is an organised event.

@nannieann

Some of you are more clued up than me so could someone answer this please? We are in one of the newly locked down areas. Can we go and visit family inside/outside their home in a non-lockdown area? Can we go on holiday with another family from our own area if we go elsewhere ? We've been very cautious throughout this pandemic and have paid attention to the various pronouncements, but genuinely cannot find the answer, so now confused.

You can travel out of the area but you can’t go to anyone else’s home or garden, and you can’t go on holiday with another family (unless they are in your support bubble)

www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

We've had numerous occasions now when government ministers, asked to clarify, have got it wrong so I'm not sure we can really criticise the public for not getting all the detail.