The following information for whether children count in the rule of six refer specifically to the guidelines for England.
It's past March 29 when you can meet six people outside, right now, after the winter we've had, that feels like Glastonbury. But before you make plans and get the Easter weekend BBQs organised, there's one question many parents are asking... do children count in the rule of six?
Well, helpfully, as ever, that's a kind of complicated question...
Do children count in the rule of six?
Yes, children do count in the rule of six.
It's confusing, because when it came to rules about meeting for walks one-on-one during lockdown before March 29, the government had made provisions to not include children.
To combat a swathe of issues around the isolation of parents, the government listened to campaigners like Pregnant Then Screwed and agreed that when it came to meeting one person for exercise and a walk, children under 5 did not count towards the total of two people.
However, when it comes to the rule of six, children do count - of all ages.
But, there are ways in which more than six people could meet...
The rule of six and two households mixing
When wondering if children count in the rule of six, it's also worth looking at other guidelines. The post-March 29 guidelines state that six people can meet outside.
However, it also says that two households can meet, with no restriction on numbers.
This means that this time the government has listened to families with several children, who last time the rule of six was in place were unable to meet anyone.
So, if you are a family of six, say, all living in one household - and wanted to meet another family of six, say, or any number, as long as they're all living in one household, you could meet.
Two households can meet outdoors, regardless of whether it amounts to less than six people.
Which has people wondering about whether support bubbles count in the rule of six...
Support bubbles, two households mixing and the rule of six
So, do support bubbles count in the rule of six? Does it affect whether children count in the rule of six?
When it comes to the rule of six, it appears to be, the rule of six. Six people and children do count towards that total.
However, when it comes to the 'two households mixing' rule, it seems that support and childcare bubbles can still count as 'one household'.
Therefore, while you should remain a safe distance and continue practising covid safety, in reality more than two families/households could now meet outside if one is bubbled up.
Are parent and child groups now allowed outside?
Yes, parent and child groups outside can now go ahead and are not subject to the rule of six.
Parent and child groups can take place outside with up to 15 people.
Confusingly, children under five DO NOT count towards this number of 15 in this case.
When can we stop social distancing? Can we hug now?
Not yet we're afraid. The rule of six and all of the above rules still count only outside and people are asked to still abide by covid social distancing rules and not hug people outside of their household.
What are the current covid rules? What does Rule of Six mean?
So to summarise...
In England, from March 29, six people can meet together outside…
REMEMBER: Children of all ages DO count as part of the group of six.
HOWEVER: Two households can also meet outside, even if they amount to more than six people in total. Childcare and support bubbles can be counted as one household.
ALSO: Parent and child groups can take place outside with up to 15 people - children under five DO NOT count towards this number.