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Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday, as the British government seeks to curb the rise in coronavirus cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use a press conference later 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.
Exemptions will also apply for weddings, funerals and team sports organized with Covid security, and the government will publish a full list before Monday.
Johnson is expected to say at the press conference: “We need 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 space for others, and get tested for symptoms.”
Downing Street said Medical Director Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Advisor Patrick Vallance and the government jointly agreed that urgent action was needed after the rise in coronavirus cases.
Some 2,420 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in Britain as of 9am yesterday, 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.
But the Police Federation of England and Wales urged the government to “play its part” through a public information campaign after “so many changes in the law”.
The association’s national president, John Apter, said: “For the police, these constant changes in legislation are becoming the norm. The 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. They will also remind people at all times that breaking 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. “
Different rules apply to social gatherings in other parts of the UK.
In Scotland, up to eight people are allowed to meet indoors, while groups of 15 from up to five households can meet outdoors, but people must maintain a social distance.
The people there should not know people from more than four other households in total, either indoors or outdoors.
In Wales up to 30 people can meet outdoors and in Northern Ireland the number is 15.
The change to the law comes after Johnson told his cabinet that ministers must ensure there is no “complacency” among the public, and particularly young people, following the rise in coronavirus infections.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned of a possible second spike as he imposed new measures in Bolton restricting all hospitality to takeout only, as well as new rules that mean venues will have to close between 10 p.m. and 10 p.m. 5 am
Meanwhile, Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said a local coronavirus lockdown is being imposed in Caerphilly because there is evidence of “community transmission” in the area.
People will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse after the restrictions went into effect at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
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