Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday as the Government seeks to curb the rise in Covid cases.

The limit of six people from up to six households will apply to adults and children indoors and outdoors, in homes, gardens, parks and venues such as pubs and restaurants. 

The current “two household” rule, which has allowed up to 30 people from two different homes to meet up, will be scrapped so that all family and social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal.

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 organised team sports in a Covid-secure way.

The change will be announced in a Press Conference tomorrow by the Prime Minister

It follows a cabinet meeting which was told by England’s chief medical officer, Profesor Chris Whitty, and the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, that infection rates were rising, particularly among 17 to 29-year-olds.

The Government hopes that the change to the law will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings. Failure to comply could result in a £100 fine, which will double on each repeat offence up to £3,200.

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