Press Release

29 October 2020

COVID safety guidance for upcoming events

The Director of Public Health for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has provided guidance on staying safe against Covid-19 virus transmission during upcoming events.

Halloween

This weekend it is Halloween and residents who like to take part in festivities and activities to mark this time of year are urged to do so in their own homes. At this current moment, advice from Public Health is that parents are not encouraged to take their children door-to-door trick or treating and risk spreading the virus through contact with shared surfaces such as buckets, bags and sweets. However, in this rapidly changing situation people are advised to check the Government’s website for further updates and advice.

It is also important people do not meet in groups of more than six. Instead, the Council is encouraging families to produce their own creative and alternative ways to celebrate Halloween at home with household family members.

November 5 – Bonfire Night

Large events marking bonfire night are strongly discouraged because of the risk of spreading the virus and increasing the infection rate within Hampshire. If large groups gather together to watch firework displays, there is a higher risk of importation of infection from surrounding areas and the potential need for support from the emergency services.  

All private events must adhere to Government guidelines regarding the rule of six and social distancing. The Council will be working with the Fire Service to ensure local communities are aware of safety measures, including the requirements to be COVID safe at all times.

Remembrance Sunday

This year we have had to change the way we commemorate Remembrance Sunday. 

There will be a small church service of Remembrance restricted to the Royal British Legion and civic guests only due to social distancing requirements in Holy Trinity Church.  Sadly, there will be no parade or public gathering in West Street.

All parades have been discouraged because of the risk of spreading infection with large numbers of people. However this year’s ‘Forever Remembered’ roll call will be broadcast on the Council’s website from 10:00am on Sunday 8th November: www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/remembrancesunday.aspx. 

Holy Trinity Church will livestream the Remembrance Sunday service on their Facebook page from approximately 10:50 am on Sunday 8th November. 

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, said: “At Fareham Borough Council we understand the importance of these events for our local community, however, during these difficult times it is paramount we follow the guidelines to protect ourselves and each other.

“We must reinforce the guidelines wherever possible to continue to stop the spread of the virus and decrease infection rates.

“Unfortunately that means annual events will look very different this year; however, if we persevere with social distancing and following the guidelines there is hope we can mark these occasions properly again next year.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

Keep in touch on the go