10 Aug 2020
Social distancing, washing your hands, wearing a face covering and getting a test remain the most important things you can can do to help stop the spread in St Helens as the infection rate begins to creep up.
Everyone is responsible for keeping the infection rates down in St Helens. As well as the above, there are rules around gatherings that can also help stop the spread.
WHAT ARE THE RULES THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE FOLLOWING?
It remains the case that you should not:
- socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
- socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles
- interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
- hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines
- stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household)
It is 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 provided they comply with the law. 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. If attending a place or event that is following COVID-19 Secure guidelines, you should take care to limit your interactions with anyone outside of your group and you should continue to maintain social distancing from those that you do not live with. It is critical that you follow these guidelines to keep both yourself and others safe.
If you feel that social distancing can’t be followed please take the sensible decision to leave the area and find somewhere you feel comfortable and safe. If you are visiting a restaurant or bar make sure to also ask staff about how you can register your details for test and trace purposes.
If you or anyone you know has any symptoms of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell please make sure you isolate for 10 days and book a test. This is vital to help reduce the risk of spread.