From Monday 14 September, limits on the number of people you can see socially have changed. when meeting friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors.
Please note, this information is relevant as of 15th September and applies generally in England. Things are changing frequently and so please check the government website for changes which may occur. There are also different rules which apply in areas where there is a local lockdown. Please check locally for rules which might apply to you.
What does the rule of 6 mean?
In England when seeing friends and family you do not live with you, you should:
- meet in groups of 6 or less
- follow social distancing rules (more information here)
- limit how many different people you see socially over a short period of time
- meet people outdoors where practical: meeting people outdoors is safer than meeting people indoors because fresh air provides better ventilation.
Are there any exceptions?
There are exceptions where groups can be larger than 6 people. These include:
- for work, or the provision of voluntary or charitable services
- registered childcare, education or training
- supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups
- providing support to a vulnerable person
- providing emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm
- for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents
- fulfilling a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service
- elite sporting competition and training
- wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions – up to 30 people, in a public place
- funerals – up to 30 people. This does not include wakes, other than for religious ceremonial purposes
- other religious and belief-based life cycle ceremonies – up to 30 people, in a public place. This only covers the ceremonies, and does not include celebrations of these events
- organised sport or exercises classes or licensed outdoor physical activity. This does not include informal sport or fitness activity with family or friends – this must be limited to a group of 6
- support groups – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, recovering addicts, new parents, people with long-term illnesses, those facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.
- protests – if organised in compliance with COVID-19 Secure guidance
What about tradespeople coming into my home?
Where a group includes someone covered by such an exception (for example, someone who is working), they are not counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means – for example – a tradesperson can go into a household of six without breaching the limit, if they are there for work.
What happens if I don’t follow these new laws?
If you breach these rules, you will be breaking the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.
Where can I get further information?
You can find up to date information by clicking here.
We would recommend you always check this to make sure you are following the current rules/laws.
call us on 0300 123 7015
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 3.30 pm
