The government has once again tightened coronavirus restrictions as it attempts to fight off a second wave of the deadly disease.

Gatherings of more than six people are now banned, regardless of whether people are meeting indoors or outdoors.

Businesses are also required to take the contact details of customers for NHS Track and Trace.

Boris Johnson said the new restrictions were necessary to avoid a second national lockdown after a spike in new infections. It comes after a top scientist warned the UK was “on the edge of losing control” of the pandemic. 

What is the ‘rule of six’?

In England, the “rule of six” prevents more than six people from from multiple households from gathering at any one time. It applies to meetings both indoors and outdoors.

Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues all fall under the rule.

In Scotland, a maximum of six people from two households can meet. However, children aged 12 and under will not be included in the total.

In Wales, more than six people from multiple households are not allowed to meet. Children aged 11 and under are exempted from the rule. Gatherings of up to 30 people are still allowed to meet outdoors.

There are no changes in Northern Ireland.

Are any events with more than six people allowed?

The government has published a list of environments where people would be exempt from the rule in England, these include:  

• if your household or support bubble is greater than six
• education and training
• work
• emergencies
• socially distanced protests
• jury duty
• childcare
• support groups
• organised sport or exercise classes

Funerals and weddings with an attendance of up to 30 people can still go ahead.