The joy of six – new Coronavirus guidelines announced limiting social gatherings

Matt Hancock
The Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has overseen PPE procurement

New coronavirus guidelines have been announced by the Government today, making social gatherings of more than six people illegal in England from Monday 14 September.

The Government has said that larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors will be banned and fines of £100 – and up to £3,200 – will be put in place.

The announcement comes amid fears of a second wave of the virus. Further detail will be announced by the Prime Minister at 4pm this afternoon.

The new legislation does not apply to schools, workplaces or weddings, funerals and organised team sports that have been deemed ‘covid-secure’.

Current guidance states that two households of any size are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bedford Borough has increased by 14 since Sunday 6 September.

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