Christmas event organisers reminded of Coronavirus risks and regulations

As the Christmas season approaches, community event organisers are reminded of the importance to follow all COVID-19 regulations, particularly in regards to social gatherings both indoor and outdoor.

Ordinarily, the Christmas holiday is a particularly popular season for community fundraising or social events and this can often mean a high volume of people coming together in one place, be it on purpose or otherwise, for example supporters of an event such as a tractor run.

However, this year we must consider whether we should organise or attend community events that are likely to directly or indirectly attract large gatherings of people, to make sure that we minimise contact with others outside our extended households wherever possible. Regulations* specify that there are certain specified exemptions, at very specific ‘organised events’. A maximum of 30 people is permitted outdoors, and 15 indoors.

We must continue to ensure that everyone maintains a 2 metre distance from others, wear a face covering and people are encouraged to regularly wash and sanitize their hands.

Both officers of the Police and Local Authority are deemed enforcement officers under COVID-19 regulations. Organising events above a certain size is considered a particularly high risk behaviour, and doing so carries an initial potential penalty of £200, reflecting the serious potential consequences. Criminal prosecution is also an option for such events, and the court can issue unlimited fines. Organising an unlicensed music event is a separate offence, which can result in a fixed penalty of £10,000 or conviction/unlimited fine. Where events are held, the organiser must carry out a risk assessment, and this should include how to prevent breaches of the limits on numbers in addition to other measures to ensure that the event is “Covid-safe”.

We understand that fundraising particularly on a community level is an important factor to groups and organisations, and a list of Coronavirus grants and funds can be viewed here: cronfeydd-covid-funds.pdf (ceredigion.gov.uk)

Regulations are regularly updated, and therefore subject to changes. Check out the latest updates here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-legislation-and-guidance-law

Together, we can keep Ceredigion safe.