Exhibitions.. a place to add your ideas on the current situation

[Neil]

I thought that rather than rely on news reports in the media (BBC news and Newsnight, channel 4 news and the Guardian) I'd take a look at what the government restrictions/guidelines actually say. I've selected those for England, even though I live in Wales, as it seems that the debate is centred around English shows. Section 2, social contact and events is the pertinent bit. As has been widely reported it's a bit of a confusing mess. Considering indoor settings you can meet with one other household while maintaining social distancing, weddings and funerals can be attended by up to thirty people (with social distancing in place). Socialising should only be with one other household indoors. Now here's the confusing bit which I've lifted straight from the website:

 

2.9 Can I gather in larger groups for any reason?

 

You should only be socialising in groups of up to two households (including your support bubble) indoors and outdoors or up to six people from different households when outdoors.

 

More generally, you can continue to meet in larger groups if necessary for work, voluntary or charitable services, education, childcare or training, elite sporting competition or training, to fulfil legal obligations, to provide emergency assistance, or to enable someone to avoid illness, injury or risk of harm.

 

It is otherwise against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups. This is also the case for events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, provided they take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of transmission, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance and including completion of a risk assessment. This can include weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals (which we advise should be limited to no more than 30 people), religious ceremonies and services, community activities and support groups. Any other gathering in an outdoor space or in a private home (or garden) must not be any larger than 30 people.

 

I've underlined the bit which I think is there to give businesses some wriggle room but the rest of the regulations strongly steer people towards relatively small gatherings outside and with social distancing in place.