How to meet family and friends under Tier 3 in Sheffield this weekend without breaking the law

Tough new restrictions on meeting up with family and friends are due to come into force from tomorrow, Saturday October 24, as South Yorkshire enters Tier 3 lockdown.
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Different households were already banned from mixing indoors under Tier 2 restrictions, and they will now be prohibited from mixing in private gardens and most public outdoor venues, including restaurants and cafes.

But unlike during the national lockdown earlier this year it will still be possible to meet loved ones in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham as the region becomes a ‘very high’ alert area for coronavirus.

Different households can still meet in parks under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, as long as they do so in groups of no more than sixDifferent households can still meet in parks under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, as long as they do so in groups of no more than six
Different households can still meet in parks under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, as long as they do so in groups of no more than six
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The Government’s rules state that you can continue to see friends and family you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, in certain outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, the countryside and forests.

You may struggle to locate a beach in South Yorkshire but the region is blessed with beautiful green spaces so it shouldn’t be hard to find somewhere to meet, even if that does mean dressing up warm as we head towards winter.

Public gardens, allotments, outdoor sports courts and facilities, and playgrounds are also among the places where different households are permitted to meet.

The ‘rule of six’ still applies, so no more than six people can get together – which in England includes children of any age.

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People are also advised not to travel out of a Tier 3 area except for work, education and caring responsibilities, so you should try to stay within South Yorkshire.

And you are expected to stick to the social distancing guidelines and keep two metres apart where possible, so hugs are still officially off the table for now.

Sheffield’s director of public health, Greg Fell, warned that police were enforcing the law and people breaking the rule of six can be fined £200 for a first offence, doubling for further offences up to £6,400, while anyone holding an illegal gathering of more than 30 people faces a £10,000 fine.

"When meeting family and friends continue to follow social distancing rules when you meet up and limit the number of people you see socially over a short period of time,” said Mr Fell.

"The reason is simple – distance matters and the more people you mix with the more opportunities there are for the virus to spread.”