The number of people that can attend social gatherings has been cut to six in England following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases across the UK.

The new law, which came into effect today (Monday, September 14), means that gatherings of more than six people will be illegal.

Until Sunday, September 13, the lawful limit on gatherings across England was 30 people.

Here's a round-up of what the new rules mean, including what you can and can't do.

Why are they being introduced?

Infection rates have gone up quite rapidly prompting chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty to say the nation is “not yet in trouble, but heading for trouble” in these circumstances.

There has been a significant rise in incidences of coronavirus, up from 12.5 to 19.7 per 100,000 in last week, and figures suggest the R number is above 1.

The cases are most common among the 19-21 age group but there is concern that the rises in younger people may then move quickly through different older age groups.

Other warning signs also include a rise in the percentage of positive tests which can not be put down to more testing taking place.

'Rule of six': Where will the rules apply across England?

The rules will apply across England to all ages and in any setting either indoor and outdoors, at home or a pub.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is safer to meet outdoors and people should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with, even if they are close friends or family.

He said people “must not meet socially in groups of more than six – and if you do, you will be breaking the law.”

'Rule of six': Are there any exemptions?

The “limited” exemptions include allowing a single household or support bubble that is larger than six to still be able to gather.

Covid-secure venues can still hold more than six in total, they include:

  • Places of worship
  • Gyms
  • Restaurants
  • Hospitality settings

Mr Johnson warned that “there must not be individual groups larger than six and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.”

Are places such as schools and offices affected by the new rules?

Education and work settings are not affected by the new rules.

What about weddings and funerals?

Weddings and funerals can go ahead up to a limit of 30 people as long as they are held in a Covid-secure way and organised sport will also be able to proceed.

What did the Prime Minister say about the new law?

The new rules replace the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 people and current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors.

Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference: “This rule of six will of course throw up difficult cases.

“For example two whole households will no longer be able to meet if they would exceed the limit of six people.

“I am sorry about that. I wish that we did not have to take this step but as your prime minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives.”

Social gathering rules  are to be kept under constant review.

What will the punishments be for breaking the rules - and how much are the fines?

Mr Johnson said the new rules will be enforced by the police and anyone breaking them risks being “dispersed, fined and possibly arrested”.

Failure to stick to the new rules could mean a £100 fine, which will double with every subsequent offence up to £3,200.

What are the enforcement measures?

Venues where people gather will now be “legally required” to get and keep the contact details of a member of every group for 21 days in order to provide them to NHS test and trace “without delay” if needed.

The hospitality venue could face a fine if it fails to stick to the Covid-security standards and the government pledged to back local authorities to make “further and faster use of their powers” against venues who break the rules.

Venues like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas must have a system in place by law to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff by September 18.

A name, a contact number, date of visit, arrival time and – if possible – departure time are among the details which will be needed.

Fines could be handed out if premises fail to collect contact information or book in groups of more than six. Further details on the rules are soon to be announced.

Covid-secure marshals are to be introduced to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres. A register of environmental health officers is also to be
set up to help local authorities.

Border force will step up enforcement of quarantine for travellers into the country.

Mr Johnson said there will also be a restriction of opening hours of premises in “some local areas”.

Questions remain on the specifics of the measures, but further guidance is expected to be issued by the Government.