By ‘Rule of six’ in force as coronavirus cases increase
People face fines of up to £3,200 from today (Monday) if they do not abide by the new ‘rule of six’.
The new measure has made social gatherings of more than six people illegal in England in an attempt to curb a rise in Covid-19 cases.
A total of 3,330 confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK yesterday (Sunday) – the first time since May that cases have been above 3,000 on three consecutive days.
According to the UK government’s coronavirus dashboard, the total number of reported coronavirus deaths across the UK is 41,628.
The ‘rule of six’ has limited exemptions including weddings and funerals, while work and education are not affected.
In England it applies to gatherings indoors and outdoors and includes all ages.
Police will be able to disperse gatherings of more than six people and issue fines ranging from £100 to £3,200.
Crime Minister Kit Malthouse has said people should report neighbours they suspect of hosting a gathering of seven or more people.
Mr Malthouse told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme people should use the non-emergency contact number to report gatherings of seven or more to the police.
“If they are concerned and they do see that kind of thing then absolutely they should,” he said.
The minister added that Covid-secure marshals – who could promote the new rules – had proved useful across the country during lockdown and “the intention is that we roll those out across the country”.
The news comes as a British Medical Association survey of 8,000 doctors and medical students suggested a second peak of Covid-19 was their number one concern.
The survey of more than 8,000 doctors and medical students in England found 86% believe a second peak of coronavirus is likely in the next six months.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said: “With daily cases still alarmingly high, and winter just around the corner, we are at a critical crossroads in the fight against this deadly virus.
“All efforts must be made to avoid a repeat of the horror and tragedy we all experienced earlier this year.”
Contact Gi National
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
