Coronavirus rule of six: What are the rules on social gatherings in England?

9 September 2020, 18:12 | Updated: 22 September 2020, 14:35

The government has brought in new laws on social gatherings
The government has brought in new laws on social gatherings. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

Boris Johnson has announced a host of new coronavirus restrictions for England to combat the sharp rise in cases, with the 'Rule of Six' set to continue. But what changes have been made?

The Prime Minister told MPs that the measures could last for six months, as he warned the UK was at a "perilous turning point" in its fight against the virus.

The change in law has been prompted by a rise in infection rates and will apply across England, the government announced.

But what are the new rules, what exemptions are in place and how will they be enforced?

People have been urged to only get a Covid-19 test if they display symptoms
People have been urged to only get a Covid-19 test if they display symptoms. Picture: PA

What did Boris Johnson announce today?

Boris Johnson announced a series of changes to the rule of six:

- The penalty for breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence

- The maximum number of people able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be reduced from 30 to 15 from Monday. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral

- Indoor sport will no longer be exempt from the rule of six. It means that indoor adult team sports involving more than six people - such as five-a-side football - will be banned from Thursday

Johnson: This is the moment when we must act

What are the current rules for socialising?

From Monday, gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England unless it meets one of the listed exemption in place.

The rules apply to all age groups in England. In Scotland, those aged under 12 are exempt, while in Wales under-11s are exempt. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told LBC there were no plans to exclude children from the rules in England.

All indoor social venues, including pubs and restaurants, are now legally required to request test and trace information from customers and keep this information for 21 days.

Previously, requesting test and trace information was only advised.

Boris Johnson also said the government is to review plans to allow audiences to return to football and other big events following a surge in coronavirus cases.

Parts of the country under local lockdown are facing further restrictions on social gatherings.

"This is a key tipping point" - Boris Johnson's new Covid restrictions

What exemptions are there?

Households or support bubbles that are larger than six people are exempt from the rules.

Gatherings of more than six people for work or education purposes can continue.

The maximum number of people able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be reduced from 30 to 15 from Monday. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral.

Places of worship can also continue to host up to 30 people.

Children's playgroups and youth clubs are also still allowed, as are political protests.

A full list of exemptions can be seen on the government website here.

Parents confused for kids as gatherings of more than six people to be banned

How do Scotland and Wales differ?

In Scotland, social gatherings are limited from today to six people from two different households, unlike England where the limit is six people full stop.

In Wales, the same rule of six as England applies indoors and outdoors - but up to four households are able to join together to form an extended household.

People in Wales will also still be able to meet up in groups of up to 30 outdoors, as long as social distancing is maintained.

Children under 12 in Scotland and under 11 in Wales will be exempt, unlike England.

How will the new rules be enforced?

The Prime Minister said that anyone who breaks the rules on social gatherings will be fined £120.

He also said that "Covid-secure marshals" will be introduced in town and city centres to enforce social distancing, although they will have no enforcement powers.

Border Force will also step up the enforcement of quarantine rules for travellers into the country.

New coronavirus restrictions will place 'intolerable pressure'

What is new with testing?

Boris Johnson said the Government is working towards a "moonshot" mass-testing of millions of people each day and that this would allow people who test negative to "go out into society more freely."

The Prime minister suggested that theatres and sports venues could test all audience members and let in those with a negative result.

He also suggested that this could happen for workplaces, with everyone testing negative in the morning allowed to enter for the work day.

Mr Johnson also urged people to only get a Covid-19 test if they are displaying symptoms.

Sumption explains why 'rule of six' is unenforceable

Why are the new rules being introduced?

The government, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance have all said that urgent action is necessary after seeing the number of daily positive cases rose above 3,000 in recent days.

Professor Chris Whitty confirmed the number of Covid-19 cases have been increasing "much more rapidly" over the past few days.

He said the rates for older people and young children are flat, however those aged 20-29 are on the rise.

Hospitalisations and deaths remain low, but there is a lag to these figures.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Russell Brand outside the Trew Era community cafe in Hoxton  funded using money from the sales of his book 'Revolution'

Police probing Russell Brand over historic sex offence allegations 'hand CPS file' to consider charges

Scale of King Charles' earnings exposed as royals rake in 'millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS and military

Royal earnings exposed as King 'earns millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS, military and state schools

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks breaks silence 20 years on

Police Line Do Not Cross ribbon on a London street following a suspected bomb reported in the area.

Schoolgirl, 10, dies after being bitten by family dog in North Yorkshire as police launch launch investigation

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200