Coronavirus: Gatherings with more than 6 people will be illegal across England from Monday

GATHERINGS of more than six people will be illegal across the country from next week in a bid to curb a rise in coronavirus cases.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to announce the law change in a press conference tomorrow after the number of daily positive Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to almost 3,000.

The legal limit on social gatherings will be reduced from 30 people to six and will apply to meetings indoors and outdoors – including parks, pubs and restaurants.

It will not apply to schools and workplaces.

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Exemptions will also apply for weddings, funerals and organised team sports in a Covid-secure way. Gatherings of more than six people will be allowed where the bubble is larger than six.

The Government hopes that the change to the law will make it easier for the police to deal with illegal gatherings and will be enforced through a £100 fine, doubling up to a maximum of £3,200.

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Mr Johnson is expected to tell the press conference: ‘We need to act now to stop the virus spreading. So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact – making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.

‘It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others, and getting a test if you have symptoms.’

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Downing Street said chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the Government had jointly agreed that urgent action was needed after the rise in coronavirus cases.

Last week the prime minister speak to police officers who asked for rules to be simplified.

Police Federation of England and Wales chairman John Apter said: ‘With the increase in confirmed Covid cases, it’s no surprise the Government has made this announcement.

‘For policing, these constant changes to legislation are becoming the norm. The pressures on policing have increased significantly over recent months and this latest change will add to this pressure.

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‘However, the Government needs to play its part. With so many changes in legislation, an effective public information campaign must be a priority – as there’s been so much confusion for the public and many people don’t know exactly what the law says.

‘We would urge the public to do the right thing and comply with the new rules, to help protect each other and prevent the further spread of this deadly virus.’

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