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Original poster

Will the new law on social gatherings make you reconsider your activities?

684 replies

Redolent · 08/09/2020 22:48

Yes or no?

OP posts:
MJMG2015 · 09/09/2020 10:26

@KindKylie

Sorry that was just to your last part.

I think childcare will still be permitted (it's work for nursery staff/childminders) & they want parents back at work...I don't know about kids clubs etc. I think it makes sense to stop them (unfortunately) because it's too much contact which they'll then take back to their school 'bubbles' - but god knows what the rules will be. I suppose we'll find out later (maybe at the conference at 4, but more likely (for accuracy) Govt web site after that

We are doing piano lessons remotely again to protect our lovely piano teacher.

NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 09/09/2020 10:27

I don't think anyone actually knows what the law change is, do we? We only have media speculation. So perhaps we should actually wait to see the detail before posting things like this as fact?
I heard it from the mouth of a Govt Minister, Matt Hancock, on BBC news this morning. Grin

fassbendersmistress · 09/09/2020 10:27

[quote fifteenisthemagicnumber]@Lovelydovey no it can't. The rules are clear; no more than 6 people of any age. It's irrelevant that they are in a bubble at school. It's now illegal for them to meet in large groups outside of school. [/quote]
Incorrect advice.

My DS’s birthday is organised at a sporting venue in a couple of weeks time and they’ve confirmed they are exempt and it can go ahead. Group of 10.

knittingaddict · 09/09/2020 10:30

I see the risk budget as something England has rather than a personal budget. Unfortunately I think the government have overextended their "budget". I don't see how having workplaces, schools, pubs, gyms, restaurants etc (basically everything) open was ever going to work, in terms of infection control.

My brother wants me to meet up with him, his partner and my parents next week for a pub meal. Personally we've eaten out a few times, but I'm very uncomfortable about eating inside. Because it's within guidelines I'm going to be the party pooper if I refuse to go.

My reasons for being cautious are -
We live in different parts of the country, although neither are massively high risk.
My parents are in their mid to late 80's with breathing difficulties, dementia and diabetes between them..
My parents need close contact because of their other disabilities.
We in a bubble with my daughter and her school aged children.

The crossover between school children and elderly grandparents worries me. I'm secretly wishing that the law said no more than 4 and I could bow out gracefully. Wink

MJMG2015 · 09/09/2020 10:31

@KindKylie

Does this affect childcare? They're not work or education?

How about clubs like drama? I'd had emails from my DC clubs that they were planning to start up. They do dance and drama - neither are 'team sports' but will they be covered by the education exemption? Lots of their friends are back at things like gymnastics - that's not a team sport?

Park Run announced that they were aiming to start up again - that's definitely not happening now!

We won't be able to meet any friends or family again. We had only ever been 2 households but seeing the dc with their cousins has been lovely.

I think if parents wear masks & SD they'll stay open (though it makes a mockery of the schools bubbles & hard work to keep the kids separated) but if too many people take the piss if cases rise & TT can pin it down to after school socialising they'll close & spoil it for ALL children, ALL the time.

It's an illustration of how much this is in OUR hands to be sensible so more restrictions aren't imposed.

CloudsCanLookLikeSheep · 09/09/2020 10:33

No birthday party for the 7 year old this year. Silver lining, Bills are doing 50% off on her birthday as it falls on a Tuesday, so we will go there for a birthday dinner but it's hardly the same.

LouiseNW · 09/09/2020 10:34

Today 10:27 NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite

I don't think anyone actually knows what the law change is, do we? We only have media speculation. So perhaps we should actually wait to see the detail before posting things like this as fact?“

Did you not see Hancock? Fine details needed but the important principles were pretty clear, I thought.

Ranunculi · 09/09/2020 10:35

Part of the reason for the change is because it was too difficult to control. The government said the law is 30 people but be sensible and try to stick to 6 people. But everyone was taking the pee and ignoring the guidance. Police couldn’t break up gatherings because people were whinging “that’s only guidance, the law says 30”. Or they were claiming they were all from two households so they were allowed. It’s much simpler for the police to count 123456 and hand out fines if there are more people.

NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 09/09/2020 10:35

@DrCoconut

I now have to choose who comes to DS's birthday. His father (my ex) or his grandparents. There are 4 of us at home so both would be 7. And no friends either.
What about grandparents over for a lunchtime celebration and your ex and DS's best friend over for a teatime celebration (and two cakes)? It will stretch the celebration out and make it more special and your DS will see one of his friends.

NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 09/09/2020 10:36

@Racoonworld

Do people think small babies will be included in the 6?
Of course. They are a person.

knittingaddict · 09/09/2020 10:36

Incorrect advice.

My DS’s birthday is organised at a sporting venue in a couple of weeks time and they’ve confirmed they are exempt and it can go ahead. Group of 10.

WTF. That sounds like an irresponsible twisting of the rules. What other rules are they lax on. A birthday party in a leisure centre is an organised sport? Sure it is.

Ranunculi · 09/09/2020 10:40

Do people think small babies will be included in the 6?
Are you suggesting because a person is small they don’t count as a person? What do you think should be the weight and age limit to be a person? By that token, obese people should count as 2 and small children should only count as a half.

LouiseNW · 09/09/2020 10:41

Babies are people?

LouiseNW · 09/09/2020 10:42

Aren’t they?

MJMG2015 · 09/09/2020 10:42

@Doliv63

TBH making an announcement so late in the evening is ridiculous!! I really do think that BJ and co really need to regroup and sort themselves out!
What difference does it really make - it doesn't come into law until Monday.

It's a bit daft & a bit weird, but I'm guessing they couldn't keep a lid on it any longer.

PhilCornwall1 · 09/09/2020 10:43

@knittingaddict

Incorrect advice.

My DS’s birthday is organised at a sporting venue in a couple of weeks time and they’ve confirmed they are exempt and it can go ahead. Group of 10.

WTF. That sounds like an irresponsible twisting of the rules. What other rules are they lax on. A birthday party in a leisure centre is an organised sport? Sure it is.

If they all play a football match or something else as a team, it's a "team sport".
PhilSwagielka · 09/09/2020 10:44

I'm worried about Christmas because of the possibility of having to spend it alone. It's my mum's birthday so usually I go down there but because I use public transport, she won't want me coming because it's unsafe.

The football season is starting this weekend.

janetmendoza · 09/09/2020 10:44

In short yes. I was hoping to start group social runs again, which won't now be able to happen.

winterisstillcoming · 09/09/2020 10:44

Yes. We are supposed to be going out for dinner with another family so will not be able to do so.

mouse70 · 09/09/2020 10:45

No because I have not had contact with anyone from outside my own home since March!!!!

LouiseNW · 09/09/2020 10:46

janetmendoza

In short yes. I was hoping to start group social runs again, which won't now be able to happen.“

Glad to read your pragmatism. I was very surprised to hear Parkrun is off again. Great thing in regular times. Plain nuts atm.

MJMG2015 · 09/09/2020 10:46

@AllieCat26

Pretty funny that only a month ago the eat out to help out scheme was introduced. I live in a busy part of London and at the start there was modest foot fall, by the end everywhere was heaving. The government have encouraged everyone to meet up and go out and eat with their friends in crowded enclosed spaces. Surprise surprise a month later, coupled with the call staff to return to their offices we have seen a massive spike.

I honestly can’t be bothered with their ridiculous rules anymore. Just a month ago we were all being shamed into going into restaurants and pret to save the economy - and now surprise surprise we are being blamed for doing what was asked of us - as corona cases have obviously risen. I’m so done with the government shit show blaming us. I won’t be joining in anymore with any of this nonsense. I’m out. Literally whatever the public does, based on what the government has told us to do previously has been wrong. Whatever we do we are told we are killing people or hurting the economy etc. enough is enough!

I agree the eat out to help out was not a good move. BUT that was supposed to be under specific COVID guidelines (including limited numbers!!) if pubs, restaurants & people didn't stick to the rules, you can't blame the Govt!
OpenlyGayExOlympicFencer · 09/09/2020 10:46

@LouiseNW

Today 10:27 NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite

I don't think anyone actually knows what the law change is, do we? We only have media speculation. So perhaps we should actually wait to see the detail before posting things like this as fact?“

Did you not see Hancock? Fine details needed but the important principles were pretty clear, I thought.

We still don't have the content of the regulations though. There are people on this thread (not you) berating others about not understanding or not complying with legislation that doesn't exist yet. It's a bizarre spectacle.
fassbendersmistress · 09/09/2020 10:48

@knittingaddict

Incorrect advice.

My DS’s birthday is organised at a sporting venue in a couple of weeks time and they’ve confirmed they are exempt and it can go ahead. Group of 10.

WTF. That sounds like an irresponsible twisting of the rules. What other rules are they lax on. A birthday party in a leisure centre is an organised sport? Sure it is.

Where did you get leisure centre from? It’s actually outdoors, not that that should make a difference under the latest announcement.

It doesn’t sound like an irresponsible twisting of the rules to me at all. It sounds like a business just trying to cope and navigate the rules the morning after a late night government announcement. And as for what other rules are they lax on....Hmm are you always this dramatic?

ResIpsaLoquiturInterAlia · 09/09/2020 10:49

YES of course as I would like to at least celebrate and have some festive and new year fun as this year has obviously been worst in living memory and will be even worst if there is less than the current next to non existent civic duty and Covid risk mitigation management ideology (especially in Covid hotspots). Winter flu season and cold indoors mostly weathers would not help unless people sort out their priorities as otherwise there will possibly be more total sum losses for lives and livelihoods. We need to get through this to move on and this starts by being Covid smart and not a Covidiot.