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Boris Johnson has apologized for altering his own coronavirus rules at social gatherings.
The prime minister was questioned about the latest COVID-19 rules that go into effect for North East England from midnight on Wednesday.
At first, he said that people could gather indoors and outdoors in groups of six in areas where there are no more coronavirus there are restrictions.
But speaking during a press conference in Exeter, he added: “In the Northeast and other areas where stricter measures have been taken, you should follow the guidance of local authorities.
“There are six in a house or six in hospitality, but as I understand it, not six outside.
That’s at odds with what Northeast residents have been told.
Official guidelines have warned people in the region “not to mix with people outside your home or bubble in closed places, including pubs and restaurants.”
And hospitality workers are required to “take steps to ensure that people do not socialize outside their homes, inside and outside their facilities.”
Mr. Johnson finished his answer during an event to promote a planned skills revolution by admitting “clearly to everyone who is watching this, this is one of those things that people will feel is confusing.”
He later tweeted: “Sorry, I was wrong today.
“In the Northeast, the new rules mean that you cannot meet people from different households in indoor social settings, including pubs, restaurants, and your home.
“You should also avoid socializing with other homes outside.”
The prime minister added that those measures are “vital to controlling the spread of the coronavirus and keeping everyone safe.”
Labor accused Johnson of being “extremely incompetent.”
Deputy Party Leader Angela Rayner said: “These new restrictions will go into effect tonight in large parts of the country.
“The government needs to control itself.”
And shadow justice secretary David Lammy said Johnson’s “incompetence” was “putting British lives at risk.”