Clampdown in Britain

UK: Gatherings of more than 

six people illegal from 

Monday

Metro,

8 September, 2020

Meeting in groups of more than six people will become illegal in England from Monday as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the UK. The change in law will affect anyone meeting others outside their household in homes, parks, pubs and restaurants across the country, Sky News reports. 

It is the biggest U-turn on restrictions since lockdown first began easing. It comes after a further 2,420 virus cases were recorded in the previous 24 hours , marking the third day in a row that more than 2,400 new infections were confirmed. Coronavirus rates in the UK are now above 20 per 100,000 people. 

Anyone caught breaking the new restrictions will be fined £100, which will then double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200. The Prime Minister is set to officially announce the new restrictions at a Downing Street news conference.

The government will also launch a new advertising campaign entitled ‘Hands. Face. Space’ at the same time as the announcement, it was reported. Boris Johnson is expected to say: ‘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.’ There will be exemptions to the new rules – with people still able to meet with more than six people within their household, social bubble or at a gathering for work or education, such as an office or school. Weddings, funerals, and organised team sports will also be able to go ahead if they follow social distancing guidance. The full list of exemptions will be revealed by the government on Monday. Downing Street sources have claimed that the lower number of people allowed to meet will make it easier for police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings.

The new ‘Hands. Face. Space’ campaign will emphasise the importance of preventative measures such as personal hygiene, wearing a face covering and following social distancing rules. Adverts for the campaign will run across TV, radio, newspapers, billboards and public transport posters. It is reported that a new video will also demonstrate how the virus spreads indoors. The clip comes as scientists expect more people to be spending time inside with their families during winter, Downing Street said.