Lockdown rules are lifting just as summer is starting. The latest government guidelines have allowed up to 6 households to now meet and the 2-meter distancing has also been reduced.
After months of not seeing family and friends along with the sun finally coming out, there is no doubt that it is the start of BBQ season. It is so exciting to catch up with your loved ones, be outdoors with them and relax a little. For some, it’s also an exciting time to treat yourself to some new garden furniture or a BBQ.
Whilst we are able to have a small BBQ now, it is important to remember that the coronavirus has not gone. There are still many considerations you must make to ensure everyone is safe!
But how do you have a socially distant BBQ?
Travel
Any guests you wish to have at the BBQ must make their own way. They are not allowed in your car, even with the windows open. This means they need to drive themselves, use public transport, cycle, or walk. If you will be drinking, each household will also need a designated driver.
You can only have guests over to your garden if they can visit without walking through your house. You must have a garden that has a side gate or is easy to access. The rules do however say that guests are able to go inside your house to use the toilet.
Maintaining social distancing
Before your guests arrive you will need to think about how you can maintain social distancing. You need to examine and plan seating arrangements, you want to be able to be together but also keep at least 1-meter distance from everyone outside of your household. You shouldn’t share seats and tables, and they will need to be cleaned before and after the BBQ.
A lot of people are asking what to do about plates and cutlery, and admittedly there isn’t much guidance on this. What is recommended is taking your own plates or having disposable (and recyclable) plates available.
Entertaining the Kids
Young children struggle to understand the need for keeping their distance from other children. It’s hard to find high energy activities where they can also be apart. There are many games they can play without getting too close:
Games like these will allow children to run around, have fun and not get too close, it’s just about planning ahead.
Remember
If you are having a BBQ in your garden or a public outside space, you need to stay distant, stay safe and have fun, and if in a public space such as a park, please take your litter home with you and leave it a pleasant place to return to
