In England, social gatherings of over six people will be illegal from September 14, with some exemptions, amid a recent surge in new COVID-19 cases.
The UK government said the new law would ban larger social gatherings anywhere indoors or outdoors. The new rule applies to private homes and places such as bars and cafes.
However, it will not be applied to schools, offices, or COVID-19-secure funerals, weddings, or organized team sports.
If people fail to comply with the new change, they will be fined £100, which will double on each offense up to a maximum of £3,200.
UK PM Boris Johnson will give further details in a news conference today.
Ahead of the conference, Johnson said, “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,” he added.
Nick Eardley, a BBC political correspondent, pointed out that restaurants and pubs would be allowed to have more than six customers inside; however, the groups of six would have to be socially distant from each other.
He added, “The rationale behind allowing this, but not allowing larger groups of people inside other people’s homes, is that businesses can only be open if they follow safety and hygiene measures set out by the government.”
10 Downing Street said Johnson held a virtual conference with police forces last week. He heard that officers wanted much clearer rules and enforcement on social distancing.
Earlier, many government officials and ministers expressed concern over a recent surge in new cases, issuing a “heartfelt” apology following shortages in England’s COVID-19 testing system.
Since Sunday, UK officials have reported nearly 8,400 new cases, with 2,460 reported on Tuesday alone.
The recent surge in new cases has caused alarm among health officials and ministers, raising concerns that the UK is now at a critical point ahead of autumn and winter, when flu-related viruses tend to thrive.
The officials will make it clear further restrictions will follow if the rise in infections is not curbed.
Dr. Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer of England, said COVID-19 rates have now been rising, especially among those between the ages of 17 and 29.
Dr. Whitty, who is also the Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government, warned that if people stopped social distancing, then “COVID comes back.” Prof. Jonathan Van Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, has also voiced his concern, stating, “People have relaxed too much. Now is the time for us to re-engage, and to realize that this is a continuing threat to us.”
