Coronavirus: The ‘rule of thumb’ is enforced in England

Restrictions on social gatherings of more than six people have been imposed in England as cases of coronavirus have increased.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in England, a “rule of thumb” that applies both indoors and outdoors.

Similar restrictions in Wales and Scotland do not include children under 11 and 12 years old, respectively.

The government said the new rules on social distance are easier for people to understand.

But some Conservative MPs have pushed the government to comply with Wales and Scotland to liberate young children.

Former Secretary of State Steve Baker said the latest government action was tantamount to “arbitrary authority without investigation” and MP Desmond Swayne said it was “aggressive” not to have a parliamentary debate.

Cabinet Office Fees Minister Michael Gove defended the new measures in England as “absolutely true”, saying some people had “unknowingly” contributed to the way they communicated to spread the virus.

“So the clear message – as simple as possible – makes it easier for all of us to do things that are helpful to others,” Mr. Gove said.

Home Secretary Preeti Patel urged people not to break the rules.

“Across the country, we have all made tremendous sacrifices in the fight against coronavirus. However, the recent increase in cases makes it clear that more needs to be done to stop the spread of the disease,” Patel said.

Under the new rules, large gatherings are still allowed in gyms, schools, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Education and work settings are not affected.

The “rule of six” in England replaces the current ban on gatherings of more than 30 people and the current guidelines on allowing two people to meet indoors.

England, Scotland and Wales each have new restrictions. Northern Ireland has not announced any changes.

Groups larger than six can be broken up by the police, with group members paying a 100 fine for the first offense, and a double fine of up to doub 3,200 for each offense.

The Metropolitan Police said it would deploy resources throughout the capital to enforce stricter restrictions on social gatherings.

But the West Yorkshire Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, warned that staff was already expanding and that it was unrealistic to rely solely on the police to enforce the new law.

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chief’s Council, said stopping the spread of the coronavirus was a collaborative effort.

He said: “The demand for police service is now at the same level as before the epidemic, which makes it crucial that we all take personal responsibility, stick to the limits and stop the spread of this deadly virus.”

The government said covid safe marshals would be launched in the city and city centers to ensure compliance with the rules.

But local councils – which are expected to be staffed – say they will need to be fully funded.

As the UK’s R numbers grow, new rules have reached between 1 and 1.2 for the first time since March.

Any of the above numbers indicate that the number of infections is increasing.

A further 3,30,030 positive cases were reported in the UK on Sunday – the third day in a row that more than 3,000 cases have been reported.

There were also five more deaths from positive testing within the last 28 days, bringing the total number in the UK to 41,628.

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