Answers to the Liverpool lockdown questions we're all asking

We’re all getting ready for new restrictions which come into force tomorrow to try to stop the rising cases of Covid-19.

The regulations will ban people socialising with anyone outside their own household or support bubble in private homes and gardens; hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and leisure and entertainment venues will have to close between 10pm to 5am.

We’re also being advised to stick to the following to further reduce rates of infection:

• Use public transport only for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work

• Take holidays with people from your own household or support bubble

• Not attend amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators

There have been so many changes over the last six months, it can cause confusion, so Liverpool City Council has answered some of the most commonly asked questions…

How long are these new restrictions going to last?

There is no set period. The situation will be closely monitored and reviewed, so when they end will depend on the impact they have.

So what’s a support bubble, and can I have more than one?

A support bubble is a close support network between a household with only one adult and one other household of any size. Once you’re in a support bubble you can have close contact with that household as if they were members of your own, but once you make a support bubble, you can’t change who is in it.

Do you effectively break a bubble by going into the office or any other work environment where you mix with others outside your household?

No, as long as it is covid-secure and follows government guidelines.

So I can’t go to see some of my family, but I can go to the pub?

Yes. This is because pubs and the hospitality industry have enhanced measures, such as risk assessments and test and trace, which private homes don’t have.

Can I still go to a pub or restaurant (or other hospitality or public venue) with family and friends who don’t live with me?

Yes, as long as the size of the group does not exceed six – BUT you need to maintain social distance with people who do not live in your household or support bubble, continue with good hand hygiene and wear a face covering where appropriate.

If this is not possible you should only visit with members of your own household or support bubble. People are advised to only visit COVID-safe premises that are visibly adhering to the guidelines.

Does the rule of six still apply to meeting in parks or outdoor spaces?

Yes.

If indoor gatherings are restricted to six people – does that include children?

Yes.

What is the difference of me being in the same bar at 9.30pm or 10.30pm? Why am I suddenly more likely to catch Covid-19?

It is an attempt to prevent people having long drinking sessions where they lose their inhibitions and stop abiding by social distancing guidance.

What about sport – can I still play sport? Or go to the gym, a fitness class or swimming?

Team sports should not take place at an indoor or outdoor venue with people who you don’t live with unless it’s formally organised by a sports club or similar organisation, with guidance issued by a sports governing body.

You can still go to the gym, gym class or to a swimming because these venues have the required Covid-secure risk assessments and guidelines in place. But you should stay two metres away from other people.

Can I travel outside the area for work or school?

Yes – workplaces and schools should be implementing Covid-secure measures.

Can I go to a friend’s house if it’s not in an area with restrictions?

No, you shouldn’t go to anyone’s home inside or outside the restricted area (except for your support bubble).

Can I go to a care home?

Garden/outside visits at care homes are allowed, although homes with active cases of COVID-19 will not allow visitors. If you are planning to visit relatives in care homes outside the affected areas, check with the care home before to make sure they’re still open to visits from family members.

What about having someone in my house to do repairs?

Official/registered tradespeople can go to other people’s homes for work purposes as long as they follow national guidance on how to work safely there.

I’m due to go on holiday abroad with friends, can I still go? Or what about if we stay here in the UK?

You can still go on holiday within the UK or abroad, but it is recommended that you should only do this with people you live with (or have formed a support bubble with). You need to follow any rules in the area you visit and be aware of the self-isolation rules when travelling to and from certain countries.

Can I move house?

Yes.

What if I see someone breaking the rules?

If you have concerns that a business or venue is not following the guidance, you can report it to the council via www.liverpool.gov.uk

If a person is breaching restrictions, you can report it to Merseyside Police by calling 101. The police will assess the circumstances to determine the appropriate action.

Once the legislation is in place, the police or the local authority will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.

People aged 18 or over will be able to be fined:

• £100 for the first offence, lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days

• £200 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £3,200