Social Gatherings Of More Than Six People Will Be Illegal In England From Monday 14 September

Following a significant rise in coronavirus cases in the UK, social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday 14 September.

The government has confirmed that schools, workplaces, and Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports will remain unaffected - however the new legal limit will prevent larger social groups from meeting, either indoors or outdoors and in both public spaces and private homes.

The tough new rules will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply with police, doubling up to a maximum of £3,200.

The limit does not apply in the case of households and bubbles of more than six people.

The government will later publish a full list of exemptions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to provide further details in a briefing on Wednesday.

PA

A preview of his address seen by the BBC reads: "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."

The change follows a rise in positive results in coronavirus tests, with Deputy Chief Medical Officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam saying: "People have relaxed too much. This is a continuing threat.

"This is no longer about the disease in specific hotspots, such as Leicester and the North West.

"There is a general and creeping geographic trend across the UK. Disease levels are now beginning to turn up on a wider geographical basis.

"We've got to start taking this very seriously again."

In total, 2,460 new cases were reported across the UK on Tuesday (8 September).

Earlier today, tighter restrictions were placed upon the Greater Manchester town of Bolton, with nightlife curtailed and hospitality venues limited to takeaway only.

PA

According to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the town has 'the highest case rate in the country', citing a rate of 120 cases per 100,000 people.

He told the House of Commons: "Unfortunately, after improving for several weeks, we've seen a very significant rise in cases in Bolton.

"The rise in cases in Bolton is partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s. We know this from contact tracing.

"And through our contact tracing system we've identified a number of pubs at which the virus has spread significantly."

In the Greater Manchester area, Bolton, Oldham, Salford, Tameside and Manchester are all on red alert as a result of the increased number of infections.

Will Fitzpatrick

Will Fitzpatrick is a Subeditor at LADbible. Will graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BA in English Language and Literature, and has previously worked as music editor at The Skinny North. He has written for a variety of publications including Clash, The Fly, The Line of Best Fit and Razorcake.