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

[Redolent]

Yes or no?

@fifteenisthemagicnumber

Those of you who are going to just ignore this and "get on with things", do you have people to just "get on with it" with? Parties etc still going ahead, will no one in the group be worried about the fact that you're breaking the law?

In short, yes.

My group of friends and I stuck to the rules early on and now it's just utterly ridiculous we will not cancel plans. I'm having about 12 over in next couple of weeks and don't intend to cancel.

No as I don't do anything in groups larger than 6 anyway

@Titsywoo

Will have to as we had an event for 30 people organised in a function room in 11 days time. Nightmare as it is people travelling from all over the country and everyone has paid for hotel rooms.

Weddings are exempt, as long as it's 30 people, Covid managed etc.

No. I thought 6 was the maximum anyway - with exceptions sometimes made for weddings and funerals.

sorry thought it was a wedding

Depends on the exemptions - I suspect organised groups that can be badged as “covid secure” will be allowed. So churches, kids football classes etc. If not then yes, we will have to stop doing some organised stuff. I had thought informal socialising was limited to six anyway so no change for us there! Anyway, I’m aware that my family is using plenty of “risk budget” on school, if we have to stop some other socialising then so be it.

"Will have to as we had an event for 30 people organised in a function room in 11 days time. Nightmare as it is people travelling from all over the country and everyone has paid for hotel rooms."

@Titsywoo the fact that people were doing this against the guidance is what has led to your "nightmare" situation though.

It won’t affect us as we have been following the guidelines.

It’s better now it’s the law as the police will have better powers when reports are made.

Would be strange though if it changes from two households only indoors to any six people as that surely increases not decreases the risk.

Why is it now now it's just utterly ridiculous?

It is as expected - we had a huge and highly descructive first peak, a respite over the summer, and indications that a second peak is coming. It is not ridiculous, but sensible, to reduce contacts between people at this point.

Apparently, if you break the law in “a very specific and limited way”, that’s fine, though. That’s what the government said today, anyway.

Our playgroup was about to start up. I guess if we’re allowed six adults and children under 5 are excluded then it can go ahead, but otherwise not they don’t care about people’s mentsl health do they? We had the risk assessment ready and everything.

No way. Only occasionally do I meet in a group of more than 6 but when I do it's usually with family and friends with the kids. I'm not having my life dictated to me any more. Nanny fucking state. No one is immortal, we all have to die of something. If you're scared of the virus, stay at home.

Nope. Having a small gathering (10 or so) next month and will be cracking on. Let the fuckers fine me £100.

Surely the difference between 8 people (2 average sized families) and 6 is the number of people who can be potentially infected in one hit?

I don’t agree with much this government does but for once the messaging is clear. Apart from defined exceptions (eg schools, sports, weddings) no more than six people meeting up anywhere, indoors or out. As Winter approaches I think this is sensible as people I know were suggesting meeting in gardens (where you could have 6 households) but I’m fairly sure would have moved inside despite the 2 households only rule if it started raining. 6 people is much clearer and people are more likely to stick to a clear rule

But why are weddings ok?
Why sport?

What's the science behind this?

That's why I think it's ridiculous now.

This won’t affect us. We’ve been very careful throughout...supporting both sets of over 75 year old parents and elderly neighbour.

There are some very concerning comments on this and other thread this evening about people not following law, or guidelines or just ‘unaware’ or ‘does an under 10 class as a half not a whole person’ 🤦‍♀️ THIS is why it’s not going away. People will just carry on regardless and bend the rules to suit themselves. Such a shame people can’t see the bigger picture. Keep schools open surely has to be a priority!?

I think they’ve tried to target teens/young adults. It’s been reported that there’s an increase in cases in this age group because they’ve been the most relaxed about socially distancing etc. This could be why they’ve said we still go to work.

Some of the logic on here and on the other thread is crazy. 'No, this won't change my plans, because me and everyone else I know have been pretty much doing what we want over the summer anyway, because we're fed up of Covid and we can't be arsed to read don't understand the rules, so we're certainly not going to follow this new bollocks rule.'

But the whole reason the 'new bollocks rule' has been brought in is because cases have gone up, which is happening because people aren't following the guidance in the first place. The evidence seems to suggest that social gatherings are the main reason for the increased spread. And yes, 6 might be a random number, but how do you have any chance of getting people to restrict gatherings without putting a number on it?

I have a very upset nearly 18 year old, her slightly shit birthday plans are now even more shit (6 friends planned but she makes 7!) What makes a wedding special to be allowed 30 guests? Bride, groom and 2 witnesses is all that’s needed. Why is a birthday party (baby shower, anniversary, engagement, leaving, retirement etc) less important than a wedding?

I didn't realise you could have that many people together anyway, nor would I. I'd rather be able to see my Nan than see my friends.

Cases are going up because we came out of lockdown, that was always going to happen, the cases were going to rise.

Those of us with any sense know the only reason they've done this is to stop students having parties.

They don't give a shit if you Auntie Mabel, Uncle Maurice and Cousin Sandra round for tea with your family of four, and then invite Bill from across the road to join you.

And again, social gatherings like weddings are left to go on but not birthday parties.

Yes. We had just arranged a memorial service which will now have to be cancelled

It's now illegal for them to meet in large groups outside of school

Not yet!! From Monday. Any activities/parties/events before Monday can carry on. Legally anyway.