
Lockdowns and restrictions across the UK
Keeping you up to date
We know members need clarity about what they can and cannot do under the new arrangements. We will continue to contact government departments to find out how the new rules will apply to the areas musicians work in. We will update our website and communicate with you by email and social media to keep you up to date.
Vaccinations
Please note that even if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination, you must still follow all government guidance and rules, as it may still be possible to spread the virus after a vaccination. See health guidance for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for further information.
Quarantining after returning to the UK
Please be aware that the quarantine exemptions for professional performing artists and musicians have currently been withdrawn in all four UK nations. You must follow all rules and guidance issued by national governments if you are returning to any UK nation.
For more information please see government advice for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The information for Scotland and Northern Ireland will refer you back to the UK government guidance for England, which states:
'Performing arts professionals
This job no longer qualifies for an exemption as of 4am Monday 18 January 2021.'
These measures will be kept under review. We will update this information accordingly.
Page updated 21 January 2021
England
Updated 14 January
The UK government announced a new lockdown for England, commencing 5 January 2021. No end date has been given, though the government has suggested that it will review its decision in mid-February. The measures and restrictions introduced apply across the whole country and supersede previous tier restrictions.
While the law will require that people stay at home for the most part and not meet people outside your household unless they are part of a support bubble, there are some limited circumstances in which it will be lawful to leave home and to meet others outside of your household including working in other people’s homes.
Private teaching
The UK government updated its out of school settings guidance on 8 January 2021, which includes the provision of private music tuition.
Face-to-face private music tuition and any other services in out of schools settings should only be offered to:
Any child who does not fall under these categories must have lessons online.
For any permitted face-to-face teaching, please remember to follow the usual social distancing guidelines and take mitigating precautions, including conducting a risk assessment.
Live performances are not permitted during the lockdown period.
Please contact us if you require further information regarding group tuition.
Adult face-to-face teaching
Teaching adults face-to-face does not seem to be permitted.
The overall government message is to stay at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, except where exemptions have been created. The government has not created an exemption or issued any specific guidance in this instance and we must conclude that this activity is not permitted at present.
Teaching in schools
Colleges, primary (reception onwards) and secondary schools will remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. ISM members should contact our legal team if you have any questions or concerns.
Amateur performers including amateur choirs and orchestras
From 5 January, non-professional activity, such as amateur choirs and orchestras, cannot take place.
Professional performers and live performances
From 5 January, professional performers in England are permitted to rehearse and perform in accordance with certain restrictions stated in the UK government’s updated guidance for the performing arts, summarised below:
Our understanding is that meeting in private homes to rehearse is not permitted under current lockdown rules.
Places of worship
In line with the current lockdown, the UK government updated their guidance on places of worship on 11 January 2021.
Acts of worship
Singing or chanting should be limited to one person wherever possible.
Exceptionally, where it is essential to the service, up to three individuals should be permitted to sing or chant but with appropriate mitigations including strict social distancing and consideration of the use of Plexi-glass screens.
Communal singing is not permitted even where social distancing is being observed or face coverings are being used.
Playing of wind or brass instruments, chanting and shouting should be avoided in communal worship and rehearsals.
Funerals
Funerals must have no more than 30 people. Anyone working is not included as part of the 30 person limit.
Please note that the restrictions above for singing and playing wind or brass instruments for an act of worship will apply.
Commemorative events to celebrate the life of a person who has died
For example, scattering of ashes and stone setting ceremonies.
There is a limit of six people permitted. Anyone working is not included as part of the six person limit.
Please note that the restrictions above for singing and playing wind or brass instruments for an act of worship will apply.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies
Weddings or civil partnerships ceremonies must have no more than six people. Anyone working is not included as part of the six person limit.
Please note that the restrictions above for singing and playing wind or brass instruments for an act of worship will apply.
Using a place of worship as a rehearsal venue for professionals
The performing arts guidance should be followed where a place of worship hosts a professional group for rehearsing.
Broadcasting or filming an act of worship
Broadcasting or filming an act of worship is permitted.
Musicians or singers may participate only if they are essential to the delivery of that act of worship.
The numbers or people involved should be kept as small as possible to minimise risks and participants should follow social distancing guidance.
Northern Ireland
Updated 8 January
New restrictions introduced in Northern Ireland from 26 December 2020 (and in force for six weeks) look likely to be enhanced with legally enforceable ‘stay at home’ provisions. This may affect current arrangements for private music lessons. Currently, these are permitted, as long as social distancing is maintained and there is no close contact.
Live performance
Theatres and concert halls are permitted to open for rehearsals or a live recording without an audience. We are seeking clarity as to whether this applies to non-professional groups too.
Where it is not possible to work from home, there is an exemption for gatherings larger than six from a maximum of two households.
Private teaching
Music lessons and private tutoring are permitted, as long as social distancing is maintained and there is no close contact.
Teaching in schools
Pre-schools, primary and secondary schools; are required to provide remote learning until the half term break in mid-February. Schools will remain open for vulnerable children and children of key workers. Special schools will remain open too.
Each school should be able to inform music teachers if they are able to teach children who are entitled to be at school during this period.
Weddings and civil partnerships
Weddings and civil partnerships ceremonies are limited to 25 people. This number includes children under 12 and the celebrant. We assume that musicians working are included in this number too.
A risk assessment for over 15 people is required.
Face masks must be worn by everyone other than all other than the person leading worship; or to a couple who are at a ceremony to solemnise their marriage or to form their civil partnership.
Receptions or post ceremony gatherings are not permitted.
Funerals
Funerals are limited to 25 people. We assume that musicians working are included in this number too
Pre and post-funeral gatherings or wakes are not permitted
Existing restrictions on households apply
Places of worship
Places of worship are permitted to open in line with relevant guidance.
A limit of 15 applies to other activities being held in a place of worship (with the exemption of weddings and funerals - see guidance below).
It is mandatory to wear face coverings inside the building and when entering and exiting. Face covering exemptions also apply.
Social distancing and appropriate protective measures are of vital importance.
Scotland
The Scottish government has introduced a new lockdown in mainland Scotland from 5 January 2021, with a legal requirement that people stay at home except for specified legal exceptions, including essential shopping, education, childcare or to support the vulnerable. Measures will be in place for a minimum of four weeks although First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out extensions or further restrictions.
Please see further details about the new stay at home regulations.
Private teaching
Scottish government guidance for organised activities for children now states that indoor music and drama activities, including a reference to private tuition, are not permitted under the new rules. Online teaching is permitted.
Teaching in schools
From 5 January to 29 January, schools can only open to in-person learning for children of key workers and vulnerable children, with remote learning for all other children and young people from 11 January to 29 January.
ISM members should contact our legal team via [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
Live performance, filming and TV
No live events are permitted. Film and TV production can continue to take place. All such activity must be done in compliance with industry guidance.
Wales
Wales was placed into its Alert Level 4 from 18 December 2020 – please see our news page on what alert level 4 restrictions mean for musicians here.
Ministers are preparing to review these restrictions and make an announcement on Friday 8 January. First Minister Mark Drakeford has indicated that there is not 'much headroom for change'. The next review takes place in a further three weeks’ time – so it is likely the restrictions will be in force until the end of January 2021.
Private teaching
Our understanding remains that private face to face teaching in homes is not permitted.
Teaching in schools
All schools, colleges and independent schools should move to online learning until 18 January 2021. The Welsh Government will continue to work with local authorities, schools and colleges to best plan for the rest of the term.
Live performance
All arts and entertainment venues are required to close to the public. Performances may be broadcast without an audience, whether over the internet or as part of a radio or television broadcast. It is recommended that Public Health Wales guidelines are followed to ensure the safety of staff taking part.
Places of worship
Government guidance for places of worship in Wales has been updated as follows:
Acts of worship
An organised group or groups of musicians or singers can play a part in an act of worship, but a specific risk assessment and mitigating actions should be put in place to provide a Covid-19 safe environment.
Funerals
Government guidance for funerals has also been updated:
An organised group or groups of musicians or singers can play a part in the funeral service, but a specific risk assessment and mitigating actions should be put in place to provide a Covid-19 safe environment:
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies
Government guidance updated as follows
ISM members receive a weekly news email covering news developments, advice, campaigning and resources. If you are a member and you are not receiving these emails and would like to, please email [email protected] and the team will look into it for you.