Covid-19 – further easing of restrictions and plans for the use of rapid tests
The Minister of Health has decided to make further relaxations to the gathering restrictions that came into effect on 28 August. The requirement to wear a face covering at outdoor events has been removed, and the right to hold private parties in function rooms and similar premises past midnight has been explicitly clarified. The Minister has also decided on further details regarding the use of rapid tests at events.
The Minister of Health has decided to make further relaxations to the gathering restrictions that came into effect on 28 August. The requirement to wear a face covering at outdoor events has been removed, and the right to hold private parties in function rooms and similar premises past midnight has been explicitly clarified. The Minister has also decided on further details regarding the use of rapid tests at events.
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office.
No mask requirement at outdoor events
The mask requirement has generally not applied outdoors, except at events such as sporting matches where guests are seated but the one-metre social distancing rule cannot be observed. With the regulation that came into force on 28 August, it is no longer necessary to wear a mask at outdoor events, provided there are no more than 200 people in the same space.
Private party
It was deemed necessary to further clarify in the regulations the permission to hold private parties past midnight in premises where a licence to supply alcohol is not in use, even if one may exist, and this is hereby done. This refers to private parties where a defined group of registered guests gathers, such as at weddings or birthday parties.
More about speed tests and the authorisation to use them
The amendment to the regulations sets out in more detail the implementation of the use of rapid tests at events, and the regulatory provision on the use of rapid tests (3rd paragraph of Article 3) comes into force on 3 September. In line with the announcement from the Cabinet Office regarding the proposed relaxations and the use of rapid tests, meetings have been held this weekend with stakeholders organising large events to consult on further implementation, e.g. representatives of the sports movement, organisations of employers in the performing arts and other parties. A decision has now been made that at events where rapid tests are used, people will be permitted to remove their masks while seated. Furthermore, children of nursery and primary school age will be permitted to attend such events without a rapid test result being required.
The aim is for the rapid testing to be in full swing by mid-September, and for the tests to be free of charge. Preparations are underway to enter into an agreement for its implementation.