Coronavirus: Boris Johnson explains the new 'rule of six' for gatherings as UK Covid cases rise

Speaking from Downing Street this afternoon, the prime minister said he hope the new rules would simplify and strengthen rules that have become ‘complicated and confusing’.

From Monday, the number of people allowed to meet socially in England will be reduced from 30 to six.

Police have been issued with greater freedom to break up groups and issue fines to offenders and venues not complying.

This will apply to indoor and outdoor settings including public settings such as pubs, cafes and parks, as well as private homes.

The prime minister stressed the new measures do not represent another national lockdown: ‘This is not another national lockdown – the point is to avoid a second national lockdown.’

Addressing families across separate households that would cannot meet with the six-person limit, he said: ‘I wish that we did not have to take this step.

‘But as your prime minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.’

The new measure has been introduced as coronavirus cases across the UK continue to rise, with more than 2,000 positive cases of Covid-19 recorded on Tuesday.

Limited exceptions to the rule of six will apply if a single family household or a support bubble includes more than six people.

Covid-secure settings – such as gyms, restaurants, and places of worship, as well as schools and workplaces – are also exempt.

Weddings and funerals can continue to take place with up to 30 people in attendance.

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It comes as business owners across the city said the announcement had caused plans to be ‘thrown in the air again’.

The government hopes for ‘a return to normality’ thanks to a pilot of regular rapid testing in Salford next month, focusing on identifying people who test negative and allowing them ‘to behave in a more normal way,’ according to the prime minister.

He said: ‘Now that is an ambitious agenda, but we are going to pilot this approach in Salford from next month, with audiences in indoor and outdoor venues.

‘And then we hope to go nationwide.’

In addition, the government will introduce Covid-19 Secure Marshals to help local authorities support social distancing in towns and city centres.

Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news in Portsmouth with our Coronavirus Updates Facebook group.

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