Follow ‘rule of six’ when out and about

People are reminded to follow the ‘rule of six’ when they are out and about to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

The country-wide measure, introduced last month, makes it illegal for people to meet in a group of more than six unless they are part of the same household or the same care or support bubble, or in certain circumstances such as where gatherings are for work or education purposes, and for weddings and funerals.

At all times, people must follow social distancing guidelines and stay two metres away from anyone who is not from their own household or bubble.

The rule of six applies alongside the local restrictions introduced in Wolverhampton last week which prevent residents from allowing people they don’t live with or who aren’t part of their support or care bubble into their home or garden, or visiting other people’s homes or gardens. People can only invite others into their home or garden for specific purposes set out in law.

The measures have been introduced following a rapid increase in cases of Covid-19 across the country over the last month or so. In Wolverhampton, latest data shows there were 55.72 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents in Wolverhampton in the seven days to 28 September, compared to 72.17 cases in the seven days to 21 September.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Without a doubt, these restrictions are having a big impact on all our lives, but they are necessary if we are going to be able to put the brakes on the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases seen locally and nationally in recent weeks.

“The virus is primarily being transmitted within the household or from one household to another, so please make sure you don’t allow visitors into your home or garden or visit theirs, and that you follow the rule of six when you are out and about.”

People should also continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance:  Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds; wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet; and stay 2m apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1m with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings).

People should self-isolate and book a test if they have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, by visitingwww.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119, and share their contact details for Test and Trace purposes.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Social distancing is essential in preventing the spread of Covid-19. An infected person can pass it on even if they do not have any symptoms, through talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing.

"You should avoid physical contact with people you don't live with, stay away from crowded areas and avoid touching things that other people have touched before you.

"Where you can't stay 2m apart, stay at least 1m and take extra steps such as wearing a face covering, washing your hands, moving outdoors or keeping indoor spaces well ventilated if at all possible."

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For full details of the local restrictions introduced last week, and the answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/restrictions.

There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS atwww.nhs.uk/coronavirus.