Does the ‘rule of six’ include babies and children?

The Government announced this week there will be a change to how many people from other households you can legally see socially at one time.

From Monday September 14, when meeting up with either friends or family you do not live with – either indoors or outdoors – you cannot be in a group of more than six at one time.

As with other rules associated with social distancing and coronavirus safety measures, the police have been given the power to enforce the new law, which includes issuing fine of £100 for anyone caught breaking the rules and meeting in groups of larger than six.

However, there has been some confusion about the most recent change in rules, as there are certain people and situations in which the new ‘rule of six’ limit does not apply.

Does the ‘rule of six’ include babies and children?

Yes, the Government has confirmed that in England, children of any age are counted in the group of six limit that will come into force on Monday.

However, there are some exceptions when it comes to children, babies and the new rules.

Official guidance states that in order to ‘continue existing arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents’ families are allowed to break the ‘rule of six’.

This exception also applies to educational settings, training, registered childcare, or providers offering before or after-school clubs for children.

Children’s playgroups can also go ahead without the six-person limited imposed, as can youth groups or activities organised indoor and outdoor sports.

In Wales and Scotland, the ‘rule of six’ law does not apply to children as it does in England.

In Northern Ireland, the limit for gatherings is six people from up to two different households, but children whose parents do not live in the same household can move between homes and are not included in this rule.

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