Rural Kent – Update on Restrictions

We are waiting for an official ACRE information update, which will come out to you just as soon as regulations have been set formally by the government.  In the meantime, as Kent is now in a tier 3 area, the following applies:

Tier 3: Very High alert

• People must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or not in their support bubble in any indoor setting. So within a COVID 19 secure hall people must minimise interactions with anyone not in their household/support bubble.

• Outdoors people must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in public spaces including parks, a public garden, or a sports facility – the ‘rule of 6’

• bars pubs, cafes are closed –takeaway, click-and-collect, or delivery services are permitted.

• indoor entertainment venues must close. These include the following, meaning the relevant activities are not permitted in village and community halls:

• indoor play areas, including soft play

• bingo halls

• bowling alleys

• cinemas, theatres, and concert halls

• snooker halls

• leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead.

• organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place

• organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s

• there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances. Large business events should not take place.

• large outdoor events (performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events

• places of worship remain open, but people must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside their household/ support bubble, unless a legal exemption applies.

• weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend wakes and linked commemorative events.

Exemptions from gatherings limits in all tiers:

• for work or providing voluntary or charitable services, including in other people’s homes

• for childcare, education, or training – meaning education and training provided as part of a formal curriculum

• for supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care (before and after-school childcare), groups and activities for under 18s, and children’s playgroups

• for formal support groups, and parent and child groups – up to 15 people aged 5 and older

• to provide emergency assistance, avoid injury or illness

• to fulfil a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service.

Local restrictions are set out here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tierswhat-you-need-to-know