The new rules for the UK, during the Covid-19 pandemic, call for collective responsibility in reducing the transmission rates.
With the amazing weather we’re having, are you craving a relaxed BBQ or drinks in the sunshine with a few friends or family? If so, here are some steps for a socially distanced BBQ /garden party.
When Can We Start To Host And Attend Socially Distanced BBQs In The UK?
Different governments worldwide have come up with various ways of fighting the novel coronavirus and reduce transmission from one person to another.
It feels like a long time coming, but The UK government has relaxed some measures with effect from Monday, June 1 2020.
In the new regulations, residents have some liberties, such as having BBQ parties and family meetings.
However, these meetings must follow the all hygiene and social distancing rules.
How Many People Can I Invite To My BBQ Or Garden Party In The UK?
The number of people that should meet at a party depends on the part of the UK that you reside.
In England, groups of up to six people can meet outside in gardens and parks.
Scotland allows groups of up to eight people, while Wales allows up to two families to meet as long as they are within four miles of their homes.
However, Wales places no limit to the number of people that can meet.
Finally, Northern Ireland allows groups of up to six people to meet.
If you have a larger number of visitors, consider hosting several socially distanced BBQ parties with small groups in each.
How To Host A Socially Distanced BBQ
Step 1: Reduce sharing at the grill
The grill should be manned by just one person to reduce the sharing of tongs.
The person who is put in charge of the barbecue should have clean hands and should wash hands often.
He or she should also do both the grilling and serving of the food to the guests.
Each of the guests should carry his or her cutlery and crockery so that there is no sharing of fork, knives, plates or glasses.
While this is inconvenient, it should be noted that sharing items could be a leading mode of transmission.
However, the organiser can arrange for disposable cutlery, individual sauce pots etc., if guests are not coming with their own.
Step 2: When it comes to serving food…
There should be a one-way system to the BBQ so that guests will not be facing each other at any point when getting their food.
A distance of at least two metres should be maintained when guest are getting their food.
It is recommended that you use the same system for moving around the garden so that visitors do not meet when moving around.
The host should provide running water and liquid soap so that guests can wash their hands often.
Step 3: Don’t share the sriracha!
The sharing of objects can spread the coronavirus, therefore, condiments should not be shared. A great excuse for me to keep my favourite sriracha to myself.
Instead, the host should go for small packages such that each guest picks one for his or her use.
On the same line, hosts should avoid packaging the same from larger containers to reduce contact with the condiments and instead go for packaged pouches.
Step 4: Facilitate a socially distanced BBQ among guests
Members of different households should maintain a distance of at least two metres.
There should also be no contact between them.
Greeting friends and family with a hug or kiss is not allowed unless it is members of the same household.
If guests are to sit at any point in the party, they should face the same direction and not each other.
This reduces the likelihood of bodily fluids (urgh!) from coughing or laughing, chatting etc. from being spread from one person to the next.
Chairs should be at least two metres apart.
When facing each other, guests should keep the recommended distance and wear masks.
Guests should not gather inside your home at any point, as staying in closed spaces increases the chances of coronavirus transmission.
If it rains, each should shelter under an umbrella, in their cars or go home.
Carpooling to and from the party is highly discouraged.
Step 5: Play items should be discouraged
Visitors, especially children, should not use play items such as trampolines and climbing frames. Toys, bikes and musical instruments should not be shared among guests at the party, so encourage your younger guests to bring their own entertainment.
Step 6: Spending a penny
People CAN go inside the house to use the bathroom if a mobile loo is not present.
However, the host should provide disposable wipes for guests to use in cleaning surfaces.
All guests should also clean their hands after using the bathroom.
Consider putting a friendly reminder in the bathroom.
The host should also provide paper towels so that people do not share the same towel to dry their hands.
Step 7: Sleepovers and camping
Visitors should not stay overnight, whether in the house or outside in the tent.
This is because there is a likelihood that guests would flout the social distancing rules at night when relaxing or tipsy.
Infected people may transfer the virus onto bed sheets and other uninfected people who sleep on the same bed.
Follow The Steps To Host A Socially Distanced BBQ, And Reduce The Risk Of Transmission Of Coronavirus
Despite the relaxed rules, it is important to practise hygiene and distancing rules at all times.
These rules reduce the chances of getting the virus or transmitting it to others through droplets from body fluids being breathed in or touching surfaces.
Enjoy, and stay safe whilst socialising!
Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Lucy Clarke
