Rule of six: the government’s new guidelines for social gatherings explained - and full list of exemptions

Social gatherings are now limited to six people with fines for non-compliance
Social gatherings will be limited to six in England from Monday (Getty Images)Social gatherings will be limited to six in England from Monday (Getty Images)
Social gatherings will be limited to six in England from Monday (Getty Images)

The number of people allowed to meet socially in England has been reduced from 30 to six.

The Prime Minister announced the new rule on September 9, introducing a new ‘rule of six’ message detailing the maximum number of people who can meet both indoors and outdoors.

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The new measure has been introduced as coronavirus cases across the UK continue to rise.

Police have been issued with greater freedom to break up groups and issue fines to offenders not complying.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules.

How does the new rule work?

Social gatherings are limited to six people from September 14. All six people will be allowed to be from different households.

This will apply to indoor and outdoor settings including public settings such as pubs, cafes and parks, as well as private homes.

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Mr Johnson explained: “You must not meet socially in groups of more than six – and if you do, you will be breaking the law.

“This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.”

How does this differ from current rules?

Currently, up to 30 people from two households, or six from several households are allowed to gather outdoors.

Indoor gatherings have been limited to two households and six persons.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes.

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If your household is larger than six you will be able to gather in one larger group. This also applies to support bubbles.

Weddings and funerals are unaffected by the rules, as are team sports.

Gatherings for work and education purposes are also permitted.

Mr Johnson outlined the list of exemptions on Wednesday.

“If a single household or support bubble is larger than six, they can still gather.

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“Covid-secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than six people in total. Within those venues however, there must not be individual groups larger than six, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.

“Education and work settings are unaffected, Covid-secure weddings and funerals can go ahead, up to a limit of 30 people, and organised sport will still be able to proceed.”

What if I don’t follow the rules?

Police have been handed powers to break up gatherings of more than six people.

Non-compliance will be met with a fine starting at £100 and doubling on further offences up to a maximum of £3,200.

How long will the measures be in place?

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to put a timescale on the new measures.

He said that measures will be in place “for the foreseeable future”.

He indicated that rules could be in place in the build up to Christmas.

He said: “I really hope we can turn this round before Christmas: “I think that, in a pandemic, Christmas is a long way off.

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“Three months is a long time in a pandemic and I very much hope this strong rule, together with the local action we’ve taken in places like Bolton… I very hope much therefore this can work to do that by Christmas.”

Why have the measures been introduced?

Mr Hancock said that the new measures were “absolutely vital to protect life”.

Speaking to Sky News he said: “We have seen the increase in the number of cases sadly in the last few days.

“We have seen across Europe there is a second wave that many countries have experienced – some of those countries have then got that second wave under control.

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“We are determined to take the action that keeps people safe.

“It is incredibly important that everybody follows these new rules and we will be bringing in strict enforcement so that they can be followed.”