Just what CAN you do under new rule of six?

IT is the biggest tightening of coronavirus restrictions since the lockdown was eased. But what exactly are the experts telling us to do?

HOME

FROM Monday, all social gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of only six people from no more than two households.

This has been reduced from eight people from three households.

GARDEN

UNLIkE previous restrictions, the new rules on gatherings will see a reduction in the number of people who can meet outdoors too. Currently up to 15 people from five households can meet in gardens, but this will reduce to six people from two households.

CHILDREN

THOSE aged under 12 will not be counted in the number of people, but will be included in household numbers.

For example, two households with a total of eight people could meet up if two of those were children under the age of 12.

However, a group of eight people from three households, including youngsters, will not be allowed.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

NICoLA Sturgeon has indicated that she could relax restrictions allowing children to gather in larger groups for events such as birthday parties. Further evidence is being gathered by experts, with an announcement to be made at a later date.

WEDDINGS/FUNERALS

THERE will be no change to the restrictions for places of worship, weddings, civil ceremonies and funerals.

This means, in these scenarios, up to 20 people can attend, with social distancing and hygiene measures in place. This will now include wakes and receptions held in hotels or other venues, as well as ceremonies.

PUBS/RESTAURANTS

THE new ‘rule of six’ restrictions will affect groups hoping to meet in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.

This means that groups visiting the venues will be limited to six people from only two households.

There will also be a tightening in hygiene measures, with customers now having to wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking. This includes when entering and exiting a premises, while being seated and getting up to walk about, including going to the toilet.

It will also be mandatory for staff to wear face coverings.

SHOPS

FACE coverings must be worn in all enclosed spaces, including in shops and supermarkets where they are mandatory.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

THoSE using trains, planes, buses, trams and taxis must continue to wear face coverings, which remain mandatory.

SPORTS

IT is understood there will be an exemption for organised sports to continue despite the tightening of restrictions for outdoor gathering, as well as indoors.

However, advice is still being drawn up and will be issued on Monday. Activities such as five-a-side football matches are likely to be allowed.

INDOOR SPORTS

THE resumption of indoor contact sports for those aged 12 and over has been stalled – for at least a further three weeks.

SPORT CROWDS

TEST events with up to 300 fans at each will go ahead this weekend. This will see crowds at football games for the first time since March, with trials being held at the Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic games.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES/ THEATRES

DeSPITe hope that the venues might get the go-ahead, progress on opening indoor areas has been paused by Nicola Sturgeon. A new indicative date of October 5 has been given for when this decision will be reviewed.

SOFT PLAY AREAS

THE opening of indoor soft play areas for children has been delayed. A review will be taken in October during the next three-weekly review of lockdown procedures.

GYMS/SWIMMING POOLS

THeRe will be no changes for indoor gyms and swimming pools. They remain open.

LOCAL RESTRICTIONS

SEVERAL areas of Scotland have seen new lockdown measures imposed, with indoor meetings in residential properties banned.

The areas currently under these restrictions are Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Last night it was announced that Lanarkshire will also be under restrictions. with all visits to households banned.