Yahoo News Coronavirus rules: What can do you under new restrictions?
The government has once again tightened coronavirus restrictions as it attempts to fight off a second wave of the deadly disease.
Pubs will be forced to shut by 10pm each night, while office workers will be encouraged, once again, to work from home.
Scotland and Wales have banned different households from mixing inside private homes.
The new restrictions come after a top scientist warned the UK could face 50,000 cases a day by October without action.
Where does the ‘rule of six’ apply?
In England, the “rule of six” prevents more than six people from from multiple households from gathering at any one time. It applies to meetings both indoors and outdoors.
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues all fall under the rule.
In Scotland, indoor social visits to other households are now banned. A maximum of six people from two households can meet in outdoor spaces and indoor hospitality venues. Under-12s are not included in this limit.
In Wales, more than six people from multiple households are not allowed to meet in private homes. Children aged 11 and under are exempted from the rule. Gatherings of up to 30 people are still allowed to meet outdoors.
Northern Ireland has extended a ban on household mixing in indoor spaces across the country.
Are any events with more than six people allowed?
The government has published a list of environments where people would be exempt from the rule in England, these include:
if your household or support bubble is greater than six
education and training
work
emergencies
socially distanced protests
jury duty
childcare
support groups are now limited to a maximum of 15 people
organised sport or exercise classes, though indoor organised sport for adults will no longer be exempt, except in the case of disabled people
funerals can have a maximum of 30 attendees
weddings and civil partnerships will now be restricted to 15 attendees, down from 30
Should I be going into the office?
Office employees who can work from home are now advised to do so over winter.
Those who cannot do so should go to their place of work, and extra care should be taken to avoid risk of transmission in the workplace, closely following government guidelines.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, and in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks and post offices. They are also now compulsory in cinemas, museums and places of worship.
The new rules require customers to wear face masks in hospitality venues, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Retail and hospitality staff must also wear face coverings.
Taxi customers are also now required to wear face coverings, while drivers continue to be advised to do so.
It is a legal requirement that face coverings and visors are worn in close contact services (e.g. hairdressers), effective from Thursday.
If you have a legitimate reason not to wear one, such as a physical or mental illness, it is not necessary in law to carry evidence of your condition.
Can I still go to a place of worship?
Places of worship can still have as many people in them as is safe.
People can only attend in groups of six and they are encouraged not to mingle with other worshippers.
Worshippers should wear face coverings and provide contact details to the organiser for test and trace.
Can I still go to the pub?
A new curfew means pubs, bars and restaurants will be required to shut every night at 10pm. The new rule applies for hospitality venues in England and Wales from Thursday, and Scotland from Friday.
Customers should not be going to bar to order — venues should be table service only.
Customers can only gather in groups of six from multiple households. The advice suggests there is to be no mixing between groups — even if it is someone you know.
Can I be fined for breaking the rules?
Police are allowed to fine people £200, doubling for each offence up to £6,400, for breaking the rules.
Anyone organising a house party or rave of more than 30 could face a £10,000 fine.
Boris Johnson has also warned people may be arrested if they repeatedly break the rules.
What are the new rules for businesses?
Businesses will be required to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ from Thursday.
A team of Covid marshalls has also been assembled to carry out spot checks on businesses, and those found to be repeatedly breaching the rules could be fined up to £10,000.
What are the rules for social distancing?
In England, people are told to stay 2m apart, dropping to “1m plus” when social distancing isn’t possible. People should take extra precautions when 2m isn’t possible — such as wearing a mask.
In Scotland, the rule is 2m, though children aged 11 and under do not have to socially distance.
In Wales, people are told to exercise their discretion when 2m isn’t possible.
The rule is 2m in Northern Ireland.
Can I travel overseas?
Holidaymakers are urged to avoid travelling to countries not on the government’s safe travel list.
Travellers returning to the UK from a country not on the list have to quarantine for 14 days in their home.
The new measures give the Border Force the power to “step up” enforcement at the border.
When can I watch the football again?
Fans are unlikely to be returning to stadiums any time soon, as the return of sports events has been paused.
What happens if I develop symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are a new continuous cough, high temperature and loss of sense of taste and smell.
People who show symptoms should self-isolate for 10 days and get tested.
If the result is positive, you should continue your 10 days of self-isolation.
Anyone you live with should isolate for 14 days as soon as you start showing coronavirus symptoms.
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