New restrictions on people meeting up in England – with gatherings of more than six people banned – come into force today.
The new ‘rule of six’ will prevent people from mixing with more than six others outside their household at any one time.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the restrictions were designed to ‘beat the virus’ and ‘prevent a second national lockdown’, with people who break the new rules facing a £100 fine, which then doubles on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.
However, the PM said there would be ‘some limited exemptions’ to the new restrictions – so who is exempt?
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Households or support bubbles with more than six people are not subject to the new rules.
Gatherings of more than six people for work or education will continue to be allowed, while weddings and funerals can also have up to 30 people attending.
Organised team sports that can play in a ‘Covid-secure way’ can have more than six people.
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Places of worship are also unaffected by the rule change.
Mr Johnson said venues such as restaurants, hospitality venues and gyms could also hold more than six people in total – but warned groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.
A full list of exemptions is set to be published on Monday.
Mr Johnson said the Government had moved to ‘simplify and strengthen’ the rules after admitting they had ‘become quite complicated and confusing’.
He added that it ‘breaks his heart’ to have to impose a ban on gatherings of more than six people.
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