Social gatherings of more than six to be illegal as Government tries to halt rise in coronavirus cases
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today, Wednesday, September 9, announce the change in the law to reduce the number from 30 after the number of daily positive Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to almost 3,000.
Yesterday’s figures from Public Health England showed 108 new cases had been recorded in the North East, including 24 more in Sunderland, bringing its total to 2,045; 10 in South Tyneside, with its total at 1,131; five more in Hartlepool, with its total at 697, and 18 more in County Durham, where its total stands at 3,674.
Across the region the overall total is 17,335.
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Hide AdThe updated rule will apply to gatherings indoors and outdoors – including homes, parks, pubs and restaurants.
Gatherings of more than six people will be allowed where the household or support bubble is larger than six, or where the gathering is for work or education purposes.
Exemptions will also apply for weddings, funerals and Covid-secure organised team sports, with a full list to be published by the Government before Monday.
The Government hopes the change will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings.
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Hide AdFailure to comply could result in a £100 fine, which will double on each repeat offence up to £3,200
Mr Johnson is expected to tell the press conference later today: “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.”
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Hide AdDowning Street said chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the Government had agreed that urgent action was needed.
Some 2,420 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in Britain as of 9am on yesterday, following the 2,988 reported in the UK on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.