What does this mean for the SSML? and non league ⚽?

[Savagebee]

Coronavirus: Social gatherings above six banned in England from 14 September

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday - with some exemptions - amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

The law change will ban larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors, the government said.

But it will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

It will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply, doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

The new rules - which come into force on 14 September - mark a change to England's current guidance.

At present, the guidance says two households of any size are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors. Until now the police have had no powers to stop gatherings unless they exceeded 30.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to give further details of the changes at a Downing Street news conference at 16:00 BST on Wednesday.

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"One of the pieces of feedback we had including from the police was that we needed the rules to be super simple so that everybody knows what they are," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

"And now this will now be rigorously enforced by the police."

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: "This is really simple. Gatherings are ok, they should be socially distanced of course, but groups only of up to six."

He said it means that some families will not be able to see both grandparents at the same time. "You know, I have three children," he said. "We have a family of five. And so we'll be able to see one other person at a time, as a whole family."

Challenged on whether the new rules could stop grandparents helping out with childcare, Mr Hancock said: "I'm not actively trying to do that".

But he said the government is "quite worried about" the "very serious problem" of children potentially passing on the virus to older grandparents.

'Hope to turn it around by Christmas'

Matt Hancock said the rules would be in place for the "foreseeable future".

"I really hope we can turn this round before Christmas. I think that, in a pandemic, Christmas is a long way off," he told BBC Radio 4.

"Three months is a long time in a pandemic and I very much hope this strong rule, together with the local action we've taken in places like Bolton... I very hope much therefore this can work to do that by Christmas."

Mr Hancock was also asked about testing, after people with symptoms struggled to access testing in recent days.

"Unfortunately we have seen this quite sharp rise in the last couple of weeks of people without symptoms who don't have a good reason coming forward and getting a test," he said, saying 25% of people who were getting a coronavirus test were not eligible.

"I've even heard stories of people saying 'I'm going on holiday next week therefore I'm going to go get a test'. No. That's not what the testing system is there for."

At-a-glance: What are the new rules?

• Social gatherings of more than six people in England will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September
•  
• The new rule applies to people in private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor spaces
• It applies to all ages
•  
• The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, or weddings, funerals and organised team sports
•  
• A full list of exemptions is due to be published before the law changes
•  
• People who ignore police could be fined £100 - doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar, who sits on the government's scientific advisory committee, said the next four to six weeks "will be absolutely pivotal to the sort of autumn and winter we have".

"So I am very supportive of the restrictions coming in and sincerely hope they are going to be enough."

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There are some exceptions to the new rules. Households and support bubbles bigger than six can socialise together - but not with anyone else at the same time - and gatherings can be more than six if it is for work or education purposes.

Parkrun - which earlier this week announced it was to resume in England - is "unaffected" as it is an organised sport, its organisers said.

No 10 said any group of seven or more people gathering anywhere "risks being dispersed by police or fined for non-compliance".

BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley pointed out that pubs and restaurants would be allowed to have more than six customers inside, but that the groups of six would have to be socially distant from each other.

The rationale behind allowing this, but not allowing larger groups of people inside other people's homes, is that businesses can only be open if they follow safety and hygiene measures set out by the government, he added.

Downing Street said Mr Johnson held a virtual roundtable with police forces last week, and heard officers wanted clearer rules and enforcement on social contact.

Ministers and government advisers earlier expressed concern over a "sharp rise" in cases and a "heartfelt" apology was issued following shortages in England's testing system.

Overall, there have been 8,396 new cases reported since Sunday - with 2,460 reported on Tuesday alone.

There were also 32 deaths reported, but these will not have been related to the most recent rise in cases.

The rise in cases seen in recent days has caused alarm among ministers and their health advisers.

They believe the UK is at a critical point ahead of the onset of autumn and winter, when respiratory viruses tend to thrive.

Close contact within homes remains the most common risk of transmission identified by contact tracers.

Clearly people living with an infected person are most at risk.

But, after that, the most common contact infected individuals have is with visitors to their household, according to data gathered by England's NHS Test and Trace service.

It is ahead of leisure venues, shops, workplaces and health and care settings.

Clearly large gatherings in homes - especially indoors, which is more likely to happen when the weather turns - present the greatest risk.

Ministers will also make it clear further restrictions will follow if the rise in infections is not curbed.

The UK government's chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, who No 10 said backed urgent action in England, has said Covid-19 rates are now rising, especially among people between the ages of 17 and 29.

He warned that if people stopped social distancing then "Covid comes back".

England's deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van Tam has also voiced concern saying: "People have relaxed too much. Now is the time for us to re-engage, and to realise that this is a continuing threat to us."

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[Rhodes]

Savagebee - Yes, I see there is a thread about it on another Forum, it's certainly a worrying development:

https://nonleaguematters.co.uk/forums/index.php?threads/social-distancing-in-non-league-games.2008/page-8

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54081131

I think this afternoon's 4pm announcement is bad news, non league football isn't Covid secure so I can see a temporary suspension on ALL football where there's no testing protocol.

It's the congregation in the same areas of the ground that cause the issues and make it look problematic on social media. Every match I've been to since lockdown 99% of attendees have gathered close to the dugouts/in front of the clubhouse.

Edited September 9, 2020 by Rhodes

[Savagebee]

Yep they are taking the p#ss now!

Still shop staff and food establishment staff DO NOT HAVE TO WEAR FACE MASKS WHEN THEY ARE AT WORK? ? Oh sorry I forgot they are immune from Covud-19 ?

From the BBC article I posted ⬇

The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, or weddings, funerals and organised team sports

?????????

Edited September 9, 2020 by Savagebee

[Savagebee]

[Rhodes]

Yes, "Steps 3-6, who recently welcomed fans back through the gate in limited numbers, can carry on as before with the FA reminding that protocols must be followed", phew. With regard to so called FA Non-League Finals Day at Wembley on Sunday 27 September, I see that in the light of the harsh 1000 attendance cap there could be a 're-think' about holding the event under those restrictions and the date reviewed so as supporters of the four FA Trophy and FA Vase finalists can have the chance of attending and their day in the sun, particularly where Hebburn Town and Consett are concerned:

https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/31498/confirmed-steps-3-6-can-continue-with-limited-crowds/?utm_medium=onesignal&utm_source=push_notifications&utm_campaign=web_push

[Winslow Boy]

I think we may see another season wiped out, maybe even before it really gets started! If that happens we will lose a lot of clubs. 

[Karen Browne]

Having seen many photos posted on line by people attending games its clear to see the blame lies mainly with the fans as the simple rule of social distancing clearly cannot be followed and yet it will be the same people shouting from the rooftops when the season is null and void again

[Savagebee]

Footy is on no probs enjoy.

To be honest it's normally just me and the oldman at the ⚽ games that i go to watch these days ? we have been socially distancing at ⚽ games for a few seasons now ? no change for us ?

Edited September 11, 2020 by Savagebee

[Savagebee]

9 hours ago, Winslow Boy said:

I think we may see another season wiped out, maybe even before it really gets started! If that happens we will lose a lot of clubs. 

Yep agree.

[Rhodes]

What do we think of this announcement today by the blazers at the Durham County Football Association:

[Savagebee]

49 minutes ago, Rhodes said:

What do we think of this announcement today by the blazers at the Durham County Football Association:

Not good and again non league footy pays the price where as a blind ? is turned to other things.

?

[Rhodes]

23 hours ago, Rhodes said:

With regard to so called FA Non-League Finals Day at Wembley on Sunday 27 September, I see that in the light of the harsh 1000 attendance cap there could be a 're-think' about holding the event under those restrictions and the date reviewed so as supporters of the four FA Trophy and FA Vase finalists can have the chance of attending and their day in the sun, particularly where Hebburn Town and Consett are concerned:

Yes, so called FA Non-League Finals Day at Wembley on Sunday 27 September is postponed:

[Rhodes]

3 minutes ago, Savagebee said:

Not good and again non league footy pays the price where as a blind ? is turned to other things

?

Savagebee - I wonder whether they have closed the Bigg Market in Newcastle tonight and tomorrow to the thousands of weekend revellers

[Savagebee]

53 minutes ago, Rhodes said:

Savagebee - I wonder whether they have closed the Bigg Market in Newcastle tonight and tomorrow to the thousands of weekend revellers

Probably not ?

[Rhodes]

The FA statement from earlier this week still stands, non-league and grassroots football is considered an exemption to the latest Covid-19 measures and Step 3 and below can continue to have spectators at the current levels. I wonder how long it will be before the goalposts are moved again:

[Winslow Boy]

13 hours ago, Rhodes said:

What do we think of this announcement today by the blazers at the Durham County Football Association:

Doesn’t look good for grassroots football. 

[Rhodes]

On 11/09/2020 at 09:55, Winslow Boy said:

I think we may see another season wiped out, maybe even before it really gets started! If that happens we will lose a lot of clubs. 

Yes, the doom and gloom merchants are already out in force on another Forum:

https://www.nonleaguematters.co.uk/forums/index.php?threads/curtailment-of-this-season-what-if-any-rules-as-yet.2550/

Last season we saw the farce of some leagues finishing on PPG and others being declared "null & void". I don't want to re-open any debate on which was right or wrong of those two, however if it happens again there has to be one uniform consistent way of doing it. I don't care what it is tbh, just so long as it's consistent and that we all know what it is beforehand (or at least as early as pos this season). I did hear that the FA were working on something - has anyone heard what the debate is? if there's any outcome/decision?, or when there might be a decision?

[Rhodes]

On 11/09/2020 at 22:12, Savagebee said:

Probably not ?

Savagebee - Surely the Bigg Market area in Newcastle will be closed to revellers as of now following today's Government announcement:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-54166256

Almost two million people in north-east England are expected to face restrictions as coronavirus cases rise.

Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council areas are in discussions to get the measures.

Edited September 17, 2020 by Rhodes

[Savagebee]

17 hours ago, Rhodes said:

Savagebee - Surely the Bigg Market area in Newcastle will be closed to revellers as of now following today's Government announcement:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-54166256

Almost two million people in north-east England are expected to face restrictions as coronavirus cases rise.

Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council areas are in discussions to get the measures.

You would think so.

[Rhodes]

I gather the Prime Minister is making a statement in Parliament at 2.00pm today, I guess all will be revealed then however it's not looking good is it and the doom and gloom merchants are really out in force on another Forum:

https://nonleaguematters.co.uk/forums/index.php?threads/curtailment-of-this-season-what-if-any-rules-as-yet.2550/page-2

It seems it was very naive and short sighted to believe this new season would be covid free and that a full 30-42 league game campaign (plus cups) could be completed unhindered.
They should have completed 19/20 in various windows of opportunity over the next few months (Remember....most sides only had 10-12 games left...some even less than that at Step 7 and below), scratched the 20/21 season and pray that by August 2021, we are free of the virus and start the new season with confidence and positivity, instead of what we have now - clubs in the 10th tier of English football, playing in 20 team divisions, wondering just how exactly they are going to manage to play their 38 league games this season, with all the local lockdowns, uncertainty, Covid cancellations....and you just know it'll be sod's law we have a harsh winter on top of all that!