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Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday, as the UK government seeks to curb the rise in coronavirus cases.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use a press conference on Wednesday to announce the change in the law after the number of positive daily Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to nearly 3,000.
The legal limit for social gatherings will be reduced from 30 people to six. It will apply to indoor and outdoor gatherings, including private homes, as well as parks, pubs, and restaurants.
Meetings of more than six people will be allowed when the household or support bubble is greater than six, or when the meeting is for work or educational purposes.
It’s absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics: wash your hands, cover your face, keep space for others, and get tested for symptoms.
Exemptions will also apply for weddings, funerals, and team sports safely organized by Covid.
Johnson is expected to say at the press conference: “We have to act now to stop the spread of the virus. Therefore, we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact, making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.
“It’s absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics: wash your hands, cover your face, keep everyone’s space, and get tested for symptoms.”
Downing Street said Medical Director Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance, and the government jointly agreed that urgent action was needed after the increase in coronavirus cases.
Some 2,420 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in Britain at 9am Tuesday, following the 2,988 reported in the UK on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.
The Government hopes that the change to the law will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal concentrations. Failure to comply could result in a £ 100 fine, which will double for each repeated violation up to £ 3,200.
Number 10 said Johnson held a virtual roundtable with law enforcement last week in which officers expressed their desire to simplify the rules on social contact.
The Police Federation of England and Wales urged the Government to “play its part” through a public information campaign after “so many changes in legislation”.
UK Covid-19 Daily Confirmed Cases (PA Graphics) “>The association’s national president, John Apter, said: “With the increase in confirmed cases of Covid, it is not surprising that the Government has made this announcement.
“For the police, these constant changes in legislation are becoming the norm. Pressures on the police have increased significantly in recent months and this latest change will add to this pressure.
“My colleagues will support the public in what is going to be a very difficult time. At all times they will also remind people that failure to comply with these regulations means breaking the law.
“However, the government must play its role. With so many changes in the legislation, an effective public information campaign must be a priority, as there has been so much confusion for the public and many people do not know exactly what the law says.
“We urge the public to do the right thing and comply with the new rules, to help protect each other and prevent the further spread of this deadly virus.”
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