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Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday, with a few exceptions, amid a sharp increase in coronavirus cases.
A new legal limit will prohibit larger groups from meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors, No. 10 said.
But it won’t apply to Covid-protected schools, workplaces or weddings, funerals, and organized team sports.
It will be enforced via a £ 100 fine if individuals fail to comply with the police, doubling up to a maximum of £ 3,200.
Various exemptions apply to the new rules, which take effect on September 14, and support bubbles and households of more than six people will not be affected.
Later, the government will publish a full list of exemptions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to deliver more details at a press conference in Downing Street on Wednesday.
In a preview of his speech, the prime minister said: “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 do. 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.”
Issue 10 said that any group of seven or more who gather at any location “runs the risk of being dispersed by the police or fined for non-compliance.”
At a glance: What are the new rules?
- Social gatherings of more than six people in England it will not be allowed in law from Monday, September 14
- The new rule applies to private homes, indoor and outdoorand places like bars and cafes
- Rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, or organized weddings, funerals and team sports
- A full list of exemptions will be posted before the law changes
- Persons who ignore the police could be fined £ 100, doubling with each offense up to a maximum of £ 3,200
The change applies only to England, to people of all ages and to indoor and outdoor gatherings, in private homes, public outdoor spaces, and places like pubs and restaurants.
Decentralized administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can set their own coronavirus restrictions, and while they largely implement similar rules, they have moved at their own pace during the pandemic.
Downing Street said Johnson held a virtual roundtable with law enforcement in which officers wanted clearer rules and enforcement about social contact.
Previously, orientation in England allowed gatherings of up to six people from different households, or up to 30 people from two households.
Government ministers and advisers previously expressed concern about a “sharp increase” in cases and a “heartfelt” apology was issued following the shortage in England’s testing system.
Overall, 8,396 new cases have been reported since Sunday, with 2,460 reported on Tuesday alone.
32 deaths were also reported, but these will not have been related to the most recent increase in cases.
Big meetings ‘higher risk’
The increase in cases seen in recent days has caused alarm among ministers and their health advisers.
They believe the UK is at a tipping point before the onset of autumn and winter, when respiratory viruses tend to thrive.
Close contact within homes remains the most common transmission risk identified by contact markers.
Clearly, people who live with an infected person are at higher risk.
But after that, the most common contact infected people have is with visitors to their home, according to data collected by England’s NHS Test and Trace service.
It is ahead of entertainment venues, shops, workplaces, and health and care settings.
Clearly, large gatherings in homes, especially indoors, which are most likely to occur when the weather changes, pose the greatest risk.
The ministers will also make clear Wednesday that new restrictions will follow if the rise in infections is not curbed.
UK government chief medical adviser Professor Chris Whitty, who said the number 10 supported urgent action in England, said rates of Covid-19 are now on the rise, especially among people aged 17-29. .
He warned that if people stopped distancing themselves socially then “Covid returns.”
‘Relaxed too much’
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam added: “People have become too relaxed. Now is the time to re-engage and realize that this is an ongoing threat to us.”
In Bolton, Greater Manchester, a local spike in cases prompted Health Secretary Matt Hancock to announce on Tuesday the immediate return of some lockdown measures.
Among the restrictions imposed on the city was a requirement that accommodation venues only offer takeout service and be completely close to customers between 22:00 BST and 05:00.
It also became illegal for the people of Bolton to socialize with outsiders anywhere, even outdoors.
Schools in Bolton will continue to teach students as usual, the Bolton City Council said, as their leader described how Covid-19 was “moving uncontrollably through the district.”
Meanwhile, a new public information campaign will be launched to remind people of the “basics”: wash your hands, cover your face and give others space.
- THE NAKED SCIENTISTS: Where Did COVID-19 Come From?
- THE SECRET LIFE OF TEACHERS: What’s it like to return to the classroom in the midst of a global pandemic?
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