Social gatherings of more than six people will become illegal in England from Monday as the Government looks to tackle the rise in coronavirus cases.
The legal limit on social gatherings will be reduced from 30 people to six and will apply to gatherings indoors and outdoors – including private homes, as well as parks, pubs and restaurants.
The rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to share more details about the new rules in a press conference later today (Wednesday)
Here are the new rules in more detail…
What are the new rules?
Gatherings of more than six people will be illegal from Monday due to concerns around the number of daily positive Covid-19 cases in the UK rising to almost 3,000.
Currently, the lawful limit on gatherings is 30 people.
Where will the new rules apply to?
The rules will apply across England to all ages and to indoor and outdoor gatherings.
This will include private homes, parks, pubs and restaurants and they will be applied to all ages.
Will there be any exemptions?
The Government announced there will be a few scenarios where the restrictions do not apply, such as if your household or support bubble is larger than six people, or if you are gathering in a large group for the sake of work or education.
Weddings, funerals and organised team sports will also be exempt if they are conducted in a Covid-secure way.
What will the punishments be for breaking the rules?
The Government hopes the new rules will make it easier for the police to break up large gatherings.
Failure to stick to the new rules could mean a £100 fine, which will double with every subsequent offence up to £3,200.
