One Metre Plus: How To Meet With Family Safely

From the 4th of July, there will be a few distinct changes to our social distancing rules. Mainly, the 2-metre rule will be changing. The Prime Minister has announced that, where two metres' distance is not possible, "one metre plus" is acceptable. We know a lot of people have been feeling isolated during lockdown, so today we'll be talking about how to meet with family and friendssafely.

Please remember that these rules may be different if you are in one of the vulnerable groups as defined by the government.

Who Can I Have In My Home?

From 4th July, members of two households of any size can meet inside. This could be in a private home or a pub or restaurant. You can meet with different households at different times, but you must not meet with members of more than one other household at one time.

However, you must still ensure that you maintain social distancing from people you don't live with. Boris Johnson said, "Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should."

If that is not possible, you must stay apart by one metre plus. Although it has been a while since many of us were able to visit family or friends, you must not go if anyone in your household is showing signs of COVID-19.

In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales the rules are changing but to a different degree. Check your government website to find the latest rules:

• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

How to Make the One Metre Plus Rule Work at Home

• Keep windows and doors open to improve ventilation.
• Wear face coverings in crowded indoor environments.
• Try to sit side-by-side rather than face-to-face.
• Avoid talking too loudly, especially when facing someone you don't live with.

You may need to reorganise the seating to make it as safe as possible to meet with family or friends. The droplets in our breath travel further when we speak loudly or sing.

Other rules still apply to a home setting. Make sure you are washing your hands regularly and wiping down surfaces with an antibacterial spray.

Preparing Food

If you are cooking for your guests then you need to make sure you are following strict hygiene standards. You should disinfect all surfaces before and after use, as well as after your guests leave. Do not share plates, bowls, or cutlery. Make sure everything is plated to avoid several people touching the same surface. Any crockery or cutlery you use needs to be cleaned immediately after using it.

Staying Overnight

As part of the new update, Boris Johnson announced that people can begin to stay overnight outside of their homes. However, unless you are part of a support bubble, you should refrain from physical contact (such as hugging) with people from other households. You should still be washing surfaces and fabrics before and after your guests stay.

Meeting in the Pub

Pubs will begin to reopen from the 4th July, so this could be a good option particularly for those who don't have much space in their home or garden. There have been a lot of changes taking place behind the scenes to make your local pub COVID-safe, so it may look rather different when you visit. The number of people you will be able to book for will have been reduced and there will be plastic screens separating you and the staff. Some pubs may only allow you to occupy a table for a certain period of time before asking you to leave.

Worried about Your Loved One Being Alone?

A Careline alarm can give you and your family peace of mind during isolation. Careline365 is working non-stop to support those who are vulnerable to Coronavirus. We are able to send help quickly and efficiently when an alarm user needs it most. Feel free to call our friendly Customer Service Team on 0800 101 3333 or fill out the Contact Us form on our website.