The MX-5 Owners Club is committed to following UK Government Coronavirus advice on events and social gatherings.
 Latest changes to this guidance has significant impact on how you can meet others as well as Club activities. Unfortunately everyday life is far from normal and we should continue to do all that we can to protect each other.

What do the changes mean for Club meets, shows and events?

While the end of September is traditionally a time that sees Club’s activities start to wind down, the new Government guidance accelerates things this year as the new regulations impact many areas of our personal social activities in the months ahead and the Club is not immune to these changes. Members and our Coordinators will know that the key changes to the guidance states that a “rule of six” now applies to social gatherings in most locations. This has also now been further enforced making it illegal to gather socially in groups of larger than 6 people. These rules are now broadly aligned across the UK (guidance below).

It should also be noted that as regional outbreaks of the virus occur, guidance and lockdowns may also change on a local basis. Coordinators and Members should always check with their local authorities for advice specific to their area.

The Club had made significant strides in putting in place safety guidance for the resumption of small Club gatherings, however with the ‘rule of six’ along with regional lockdowns it has made any further relaxation impossible and we urge caution regarding any and all events or gatherings, these must be within the definitions of the rules. Cafés, Restaurants and Pubs continue to open at this time, but track and trace is now a legal requirement. Groups larger than six may not gather within the premises and we have been made aware that many hospitality venues are now wary of hosting any gatherings due to the fines involved.

Some venues and event organisers are still planning, running or advertising certain small scale events, we are advising that if you do attend any such events (which must be run by COVID secure professionals) it is done so at your own risk either as an individual or as part of an appropriately sized group. Certain hospitality venues, events companies and other premises have been granted certain permissions to hold organised gatherings for the moment and while these events will run with a significant burden of responsibility, risk assessments and COVID-safe infrastructure, the whole sector is now in review and enforced cancellations may happen. Members should always satisfy themselves that the business, venue or organiser has put in the necessary practices to comply with the regulations.

For now the the Club is advocating a return to a postponement of group activities that do not meet the regulations. As a Club we strive to set good examples, we are not only ambassadors for the Mazda MX-5 and the MX-5 Owners Club, but also the car club community as a whole. It remains clear that the virus looks to be with us for some time still to come, how this continues to effect daily lives is changing regularly and rapidly. With care we can all play our part in helping to protect ourselves and others. Thank you.

Please note: As our volunteer coordinators announce moves to postpone or cancel certain events, members are kindly asked to help them with their decisions, your support and assistance to coordinators and fellow members is a great strength to the Club.

What are the rules on meeting up with people?

England & Scotland

  • It is currently against the law for gatherings of more than 6 people to take place except where specified in the Regulations, this includes private homes and outdoor spaces.
  • Those operating venues or running events following COVID-19 Secure guidelines should take additional steps to ensure the safety of the public and prevent large gatherings from taking place and also gatherings of more than 6 people in groups within the event venue or premises.
  • Track and Trace is a legal requirement and details must be kept for a minimum of 21 days.
  • If attending a venue that is following COVID-19 Secure guidelines, you should take care to limit your interactions with anyone outside of your group and you should continue to maintain social distancing from those that you do not live with.
  • Meetings indoors of more than two households (legal limit in Scotland) are not recommended, regardless of whether the overall group size exceeds 6, because of the higher risk of infection that meeting indoors poses. Households can meet with multiple numbers of other households, as long as each is a separate meeting.
  • Outdoors, people from multiple households can meet in groups of up to six.

Wales

  • Indoor meetings with people from outside of your household are not allowed.
  • Two different households can meet outdoors in groups of up to six.

Northern Ireland

  • Indoors, groups of up to six people from different households can meet indoors, but must observe social distancing.
  • Outdoors gathering are strictly limited to a maximum of 6 people from any household.

How are the rules enforced?

Individuals can be issued with fines of £100, up to £3,200 for repeat offences with more serious offences being prosecuted. The Police have powers to disperse groups of over 6 people and remove people from an area.

Overall Advice

There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other:

  • Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
  • Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
  • Make space – stay at least 2 metres apart – with face covering and precautions where social distancing

Guidance Links

Key points:

  • The pandemic is NOT over – the lives of our families and friends are still at risk.
  • Maintain social distancing of 2 metres where possible (1 metre in certain circumstances – refer to Government guidelines).
  • If your MX-5 is not in regular use make sure to check it over carefully before using it or making preparations to lay it up. Remember to pay particular attention to tyres and brakes.

 

Please be assured that during this rapidly changing situation, we are monitoring advice very closely and will follow up with members if the situation develops.

 

MX-5 Owners Club