Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidance: what they mean for you
Although many coronavirus restrictions have eased, regulations and guidance remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Continue to protect yourself and others by following public health advice and find out the rules on what you can and cannot do below.
Regulations
The current regulations are available on the Department of Health website:
Some of the restrictions are law through regulation, while others are guidance.
Everyone is legally required to comply with the regulations.
If you fail to comply with the regulations without reasonable excuse, you are committing an offence. For some offences you may be given a fixed penalty or a fine on summary prosecution.
This page is an overview of what you can and cannot do. It is not a definitive statement of the law and should not be relied upon as such.
A guide to what you can do
The restrictions apply to everyone in Northern Ireland. A summary guide is available at:
Make safer choices
Over recent weeks, COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.
By making safer choices and following public health advice, you can help lower the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Do your part to keep yourself and others healthy:
- book a test and self-isolate for 10 days if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- self-isolate if you have been identified as a close contact
- wash your hands
- wear a face-covering
- keep your distance from others
- limit your contacts
- avoid large gatherings and busy places
- spend time outdoors rather than indoors
- don’t travel to or from places with higher COVID-19 infection rates
You can watch a short video animation to see how considering the three key factors of location, proximity and time can help you make safer choices:
Households
Up to six people from no more than two households can meet in a private home and stay overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
If a household has six or more members, they can visit another household, as long as there are no more than 10 people indoors. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
You should keep rooms well-ventilated, maintain social distancing as much as possible and wash hands well and often.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to allow up to 10 people from no more than three households to meet in a private dwelling and stay overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
If a single household has 10 members, the maximum is increased to 15 from no more than three households.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Gardens
Up to 15 people (including children) from no more than five households can meet up outdoors in a private garden, but you should maintain social distancing.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to allow up to 15 people from any number of households to meet in a private garden. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Household bubbles (linked households)
You can form one bubble with one other household.
The two households in the bubble can be of any size, however indoor meetings between households in the bubble are limited to a maximum of 10 people, including children, at any one time.
If anyone within your bubble develops symptoms, all members of the bubble should self-isolate.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to end household bubbles (linked households). The increase in numbers permitted to meet indoors in domestic settings means there is no longer a need for household bubbles.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Social distancing
Social distancing is one of a number of measures that can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Other mitigations include good ventilation, the use of protective screens and face coverings, as well as increased cleaning and handwashing.
The closer you are to others, the higher the risk. The risk of transmission is therefore higher at one metre compared to two metres. The level of risk also increases if there are no mitigations in place.
Other factors that affect risk include location (indoors or outdoors), direction (whether you are face-to-face or back-to-back) and time (duration).
The highest risk is in an indoor, crowded, poorly-ventilated space for a long period of time.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to reduce the legal requirement for social distancing where relevant to a minimum of one metre indoors and remove the requirement for all outdoor activities and public transport.
Where possible, you should continue to maintain two metres between people. Where two metres is not viable, one metre should be maintained with other risk mitigations in place. Risk mitigations should be detailed in risk assessments.
On public transport, one metre should be maintained unless not possible, in which case other mitigations must be in place.
Indoor gatherings (excluding private homes)
To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.
Indoor gatherings of 15 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.
The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:
- a copy of the risk assessment
and
- an account of the reasonable measures taken
It is important that indoor spaces are well ventilated at all times, by leaving doors and windows open. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, should be cleaned regularly.
Good hand hygiene should be encouraged and social distancing between households maintained.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to reduce the legal requirement for social distancing where relevant to a minimum of one metre indoors.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Outdoor gatherings (excluding homes)
To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.
Outdoor gatherings of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.
The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:
- a copy of the risk assessment
and
- an account of the reasonable measures taken
You should maintain social distancing, as well as good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.
When travelling to large events you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to remove the legal requirement for social distancing outdoors.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Travel
You should avoid visiting places where there is a chance that large numbers of people will gather and crowds will form.
If you go somewhere and there are crowds which will make social distancing difficult, consider going somewhere else instead.
When travelling you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.
Guidance for travelling both internationally and within the Common Travel Area during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at:
Face coverings
The use of face coverings is mandatory on public transport, in taxis, private buses, coaches and on aircraft, in train and bus stations and in airports unless an exemption applies. This includes:
- boarding any mode of public transport
- when on board any mode of public transport
and
- when present on public transport premises or stops
Hospitality and accommodation
Accommodation
All types of tourism accommodation can open, including shared facilities on caravan sites and in hostels.
Up to six people from no more than two households can stay together overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
If a household has six or more members the number staying together can be greater than six, as long as it is not more than 10 (children aged 12 years and under are not counted in the total).
Accommodation providers will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.
Customer details will include the:
- name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16
- date and duration of stay
Accommodation providers which sell or provide food or drink (whether or not including intoxicating liquor) for consumption on the premises must have carried out a risk assessment and take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to allow up to 10 people from no more than three households to meet in a private dwelling and stay overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
If a single household has 10 members, the maximum is increased to 15 from no more than three households.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Hospitality
Hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in members’ clubs) are permitted to open.
A maximum of six people can be seated together. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. More than six will be permitted if they all belong to a single household, as long as it is not more than 10. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
Venues will also be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.
Customer details will include the:
- name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16
- date and time of arrival
Face coverings must be worn if you leave your table (to pay/ to access toilet facilities), unless exempt.
Live music is permitted in licensed and unlicensed premises. Music must be at ambient levels that permit normal conversation and with suitable mitigations in place.
A person responsible for a hospitality business must take reasonable measures to ensure that social distancing measures are maintained at all times to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
Entertainment, leisure activities and cultural attractions
Outdoor and indoor visitor attractions are permitted to open (theatres and concert halls are not included) and are subject to the requirements on gatherings to determine the maximum numbers permitted access.
You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.
Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.
Customer details will include the:
- name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16
- date and time
An indoor attraction including an amusement arcade, a bingo hall, a museum, a gallery or a cinema must take reasonable measures to ensure that social distancing measures are maintained at all times to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
Live music is permitted at outdoor events, without restriction to volume.
Social distancing is advised for all outdoor events and COVID-19 testing should be considered in advance of large events.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set for the return of audiences in theatres, concert halls and other venues, as well as the return of conferences and exhibitions.
An indicative date of 26 July has also been set to permit live music without restriction to volume in concert halls, theatres and other indoor venues.
Live music events must be effectively controlled and managed.
If the event is taking place in a venue that is part of larger premises (for example, a hotel) it must be sufficiently isolated to make sure the volume of music in the venue does not breach ambient levels in other parts of the premises.
Entry to theatre, concerts and other types of performances will be by ticket only, bought in advance.
Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and guests must stay seated (unless using facilities). Social distancing of one metre required.
Dancing is not permitted for audience members.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Business
You should continue to work from home where you can.
Employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home.
Employers that require staff to come into the workplace must complete a mandatory risk assessment. Some employers may have introduced regular COVID-19 testing for employees as part of these measures.
You may also want to consider how you get to and from work, for example, try to avoid car sharing.
Meeting others for work and business purposes
You can meet other people indoors where it is necessary for your work.
Retail and services
Shops must take all reasonable measures to manage risk, including making sure measures are in place to maintain social distancing.
You must wear a face covering when you go to any retail premises, including any indoor area of a shopping centre, unless exempt.
Information on how to stay safe when shopping is available at:
Close contact services (including those provided from a mobile setting) are permitted to open strictly by appointment.
Close contact businesses are also required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.
Indicative date
An indicative date of 26 July has been set to permit close contact services to operate without appointments and to undertake overlapping appointments.
The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.
Exercising and sports
Outdoor sport
All outdoor sport, whether organised formally by your local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted.
To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend or participate in an outdoor sporting activity/ event, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.
Outdoor sporting activities/ events of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.
Indoor sport
All indoor sport, whether organised formally by your local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted (subject to risk assessment and appropriate mitigations).
A risk assessment, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.
Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but you should avoid or minimise use where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and minimise time spent in the changing area.
The return to sport protocols put in place by sports governing bodies should be strictly adhered to including hygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations.
Any behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people on the side-lines and sporting celebrations, should be avoided.
Sports governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure full compliance with the protocols and are expected to put arrangements in place to deal with non-compliant clubs, participants and coaches.
Hospitals and healthcare
Visits
A phased approach to increasing the visitors to hospitals has been introduced, as below.
General hospitals
One daily visit from one of two nominated individuals (from up to two households) can be permitted, with the timing/ duration agreed with the person in charge.
Maternity
A chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany the pregnant woman:
- to any pregnancy related appointments or ultrasound scans
- for induction of labour, duration of labour and birth
- for up to three hours after the birth
Where the woman is receiving inpatient care, one daily visit from one of two nominated individuals (from up to two households) can be permitted.
Hospice care
One daily visit from two nominated individuals can be permitted at the same time.
Visiting arrangements will be eased as fast as possible, taking into account the risks in specific areas and monitored by the Trusts, the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.
There is a guidance document 'a pathway to enhanced visiting' available at:
As well as reading the full guidance, also check with individual hospitals/ wards before you visit, as restrictions may change depending on prevailing circumstances in particular settings.
Health services
Hospitals, GP practices, dentists and pharmacies continue to provide care for those with health needs.
You should continue to seek advice from health and care professionals such as GPs, nurses and pharmacists.
Ignoring potential health problems or symptoms can have serious consequences, so it is vitally important that you do not delay in seeking help.
Care homes
Since 7 May, the most recent guidance 'visiting with care - a pathway' has changed visiting arrangements in all health and social care settings to allow:
- two visits per week (to be reviewed with a view to increasing to three)
- children to visit as long as they adhere to all required IPC measures
- visits limited to two people at one time and lasting up to one hour
- residents to resume trips out of the home (following the general restrictions applicable to the general public)
Visiting arrangements will be eased as fast as possible, taking into account the risks in specific areas and will be monitored by the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.
You are recommended to read the full guidance document, at the following link and check the applicable arrangements with the individual care home.
Marriages and civil partnerships
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, celebrations and functions are permitted.
During the ceremony, face coverings must be worn by all unless exempt, other than the officiant, the couple getting married and children aged 12 and under.
Numbers attending indoor ceremonies and post-ceremony celebrations will be determined by the venue on a risk assessed basis, taking account of the individual circumstances of each and adhering to all relevant public health advice and industry guidance.
If you're planning on organising a ceremony or post-ceremony celebration at a private dwelling, it must comply with domestic setting regulation, for example up to 15 people (including children) from no more than five households can meet up outdoors in a private garden.
Post-ceremony celebrations
There are no restrictions on the number of people seated at the ‘top table’, however other tables are restricted to a maximum of 10. Children under 12 are excluded from table numbers.
Live music is permitted in licensed and unlicensed premises. Music must be at ambient levels that permit normal conversation with suitable mitigations in place.
Dancing is not permitted at weddings that are being held in licensed or unlicensed premises. The only exception to this is the couple’s ‘first dance’.
A person responsible for a hospitality business must take reasonable measures to make sure that social distancing measures are maintained at all times to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
Face coverings must be worn if you leave your table (to access toilet facilities/in public areas), unless exempt.
Funerals
Funeral services are not permitted in private homes.
The number permitted to attend funerals in places of worship, funeral homes, the City of Belfast Crematorium or at a burial ground is to be informed by a risk assessment for the venue.
Where the death is not COVID-19 related, the remains of the deceased may be taken back to private homes and existing restrictions on household apply.
A person responsible for organising or operating a funeral or associated event elsewhere must comply with guidance on managing funerals and associated gatherings issued by the Department of Health.
For information about the City of Belfast Crematorium, visit the Belfast City Council website.
Any mourner displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend a funeral, as they pose a risk to others.
The Public Health Agency has produced a number of useful documents to help bereaved families during the COVID-19 pandemic.