Can I meet more than six people at the pub or in restaurants from tomorrow?
SOCIAL gatherings of more than six people have been banned in England from tomorrow in the latest coronavirus clampdown.
Boris Johnson announced the latest restrictions last week in his first No10 press conference since July.
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Currently, people aren't allowed to gather in groups of more than 30, and they can only meet inside with one other household.
The new "rule of six" - which comes into force from Monday, September 14 - replaces these existing measures.
It comes as the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has soared in recent weeks as the pandemic lockdown is eased.
Latest figures show that as of today, the total number for deaths after contractions of coronavirus is 1,597 in Wales and 2,499 in Scotland.
In England, NHS England said the total number of reported deaths in hospitals after contractions is 29,661.
People who break the rules - which apply to gatherings inside and outside - can be fined £100, which will double for each repeat offence up to £3,200.
It comes after police demanded greater powers to fine young Covid flouters ahead of tens of thousands returning to university this week.
A rise in the number of illegal raves taking place is also a cause for concern, as nightclubs remain closed to help stop the spread of the virus.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr Johnson said the existing rules have become "complicated and confusing" for households and must be "simplified".
He said: "Since the pandemic began, we’ve asked you to reduce your social contact with friends and family.
"I know the rules have become complicated and confusing. We are simplifying the rules for everyone to understand and for the police to enforce these rules."
Mr Johnson continued: "I wish that we did not have to take this step.
"But as your PM, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and save lives."
Weddings, funerals, workplaces and some other gatherings will be exempt from the rules.
In addition, the PM confirmed the UK is processing 1.2million coronavirus tests per week, and to date, the government has carried out 15.4 million antigen tests.
Will I be able to go to the pub with more than six friends?
The ban on gatherings of more than six people indoors and outdoors applies at home and in public.
There are no plans to close pubs and restaurants again though so you will still be able to tuck into a meal out.
But establishments will be expected to restrict the number of people sat around the same table to the six-person cap.
If you want to go to the pub with more than six pals, it's expected the group will be split and treated separately.
They will be seated at different tables, which will need to be at least two metres apart, or one metre with extra precautions in place.
Many pubs and restaurants have already put in place their own rules, such as limiting the size of groups, even though it's not a legal requirement.
Business owners have the right to refuse to serve customers who break their rules but it is not something all pubs have to enforce.
Mr Johnson confirmed it will also be compulsory for pubs and restaurants to take punters' details for track and trace, following comments from health secretary Matt Hancock on BBC Radio 4's Today.
At the moment, recording punters' contact details is a voluntary measure but there are fears some aren't bothering at all.
What are the current rules?
Under current coronavirus guidelines in England, people should not meet with more than one other household inside - this includes when dining out or going to the pub.
Outside, you can currently only meet in a group of no more than two households, or in a group of up to six people from different households.
These rules aren't strictly enforced though and aren't the law.
Instead, the law states that that no more than 30 people should gather in one place - and people can only be fined if they exceed that
Families and friends can also currently meet in larger groups if they have formed a support bubble, which is where two houses can group together to avoid social distancing rules.
Easing lockdown measures is a devolved issue, meaning , Northern Ireland and Wales have different rules around social gatherings.
The "rule of six" measures which come into force on Monday replace these rules.
What happens if I break the rules?
People caught flouting the rules will be slapped with a £100 fine each, which can be doubled for each recurring offence, up to £3,200.
For example, if you're found to be breaking the regulations for a second time the fine will be £200.
If police catch you out a third time, the fine could be up to £400.
Organisers of illegal raves face a higher £10,000 fine, which was brought into force in mid-August.
Will there be any exemptions?
Large families and support bubbles will be exempt from the new regulations.
For example, if a single household or support bubble is larger than six, they can still meet up.
Gatherings of more than six people for work or education purposes are also allowed.
Weddings, funerals and organised sports teams will still be able to go ahead from Monday, as long as they are Covid-secure.
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This means social distancing must be observed and these events will continue to be limited to 30 attendees.
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For wedding ceremonies, this includes officials and staff, while small receptions of the same size can be held at a Covid-secure venue.
Funeral services must be held outdoors if 30 people are to attend, otherwise it's restricted to two households for indoor ceremonies.