There are countless things that we’re excited for once UK lockdown lifts - eating out at restaurants, going out to a bar for a drink, and heading out to the shops are all up there on our lists.

However, one thing that tops all others, is getting to see our friends and families again. We’ve not seen some of our loved ones for a full year now, and we’ve missed them more than we can say.

The UK COVID-19 roadmap

In the government’s latest COVID-19 announcement, UK regulations regarding meeting up with people outside of our bubble will be eased in the not-too-distant future. How amazing is that?

On 22 February, the UK government’s roadmap was announced by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. He said that the gradual easing of the country’s coronavirus restrictions won’t happens overnight - the measures will be “cautious”, and the transition will only be allowed to take place if “the latest data” demonstrates that it is safe to do so. 

One of the key proposed measures outlined in this announcement was the return of ‘The Rule of Six’, which could be re-introduced as soon as the 29th March. This means that you can host an outside gathering with your loved ones in private outdoor spaces (including your garden) this Spring.

So, with this in mind, we will be providing you with more details about this government rule, alongside our top tips for hosting a safe and COVID-friendly meet-up with your loved ones.

The importance of ‘The Rule of Six’

While we all eagerly look forward to the return of garden parties and seeing our friends and families in person, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that the pandemic is not over yet.

It is imperative that, if we do choose to reunite with our loved ones in a socially distant outside gathering, we need to do so as carefully as possible. 

The government’s ‘Rule of Six’ states that you can meet for an outdoor gathering as a group of six people. Or, you can meet as a group of two households outside, and, so long as the group only consists of two households, you are permitted to meet with more than six people at once. 

Other key developments that were announced in this UK roadmap include children heading back to school on the 8th of March. On this date, you can also have a picnic or a cup of coffee outside in a public area with someone from another household. 

Our top tips for safe outside gatherings 

As you eagerly start prepping your garden for your Springtime gathering (those weeds might need seeing to!), we would also recommend that you use this opportunity to start thinking about how you can host an outside gathering in the safest way possible. 

By considering this in advance, you can ensure that you cut down any risks of this meet-up as much as you possibly can. This is the best way that you can keep yourself and your loved ones protected against catching the virus when you see each other.

When hosting an outside gathering, our top tips would be that you think about implementing the following:

• Positioning chairs two metres away from each other. Keep your chairs at a suitable distance from each other, to make sure that no one accidentally gets too close to anyone outside of their bubble. 
• Remind everyone to wrap up warm. Unfortunately, even if it’s cold out, you can’t invite people to come inside. So, it’s worth reminding everyone to bring plenty of warm clothes with them. While you’re at it, a raincoat and a brolly are a good idea too!
• Asking people to bring their own. To avoid cross-contamination, ask guests to bring their own food, drinks, and cutlery. 
• Having hand sanitiser at the ready. Have a bottle of hand sanitiser with you at the table, and ask your guests to bring a bottle with them. That way, they can reduce the risk that any traces of the virus could be picked up. 
• Wearing a face mask. Although you are outside, it is important to remember that the virus could still pass between individuals. As a result, if you or a member of your family is high-risk, it would certainly be worthwhile wearing a face mask.

If you’re looking to host an outdoor meet-up, treat yourself to a face mask that is comfortable to wear and provides you with a dependable level of protection. So, now’s a great time to invest in a face mask from Cambridge Mask Co. Our state-of-the-art face masks will ensure that you, your bubble, and any guests that you may have from March 29 onwards will be kept as safe as possible. Check out the Cambridge Mask Co. online shop HERE (UK & Worldwide Store) and HERE (USA Store) to find out more.