Rule applies across indoor and outdoor settings, with police able to disperse gatherings of over six people and fine individuals involved.

The new “rule of six” is intended to simplify and strengthen the rules on social gatherings, making them easier to understand and easier for the police to enforce.

It means that – apart from a set of limited exemptions including work and education – any social gatherings of more than six people will be against the law.

Police will be able to disperse any such gatherings and fine individuals involved £100, doubling up to a maximum of £3,200.

Home Secretary Priti Patel held a call with Chief Constables to support police enforcement of the law.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

“Across the country, we have all made enormous sacrifices in the fight against coronavirus. However, the recent rise in cases makes it clear that more needs to be done to stop the spread of this disease.

“From Monday new laws will enable the police to fine anyone in breach of the rule of six. As we continue to fight this virus, I urge the public not participate in social gatherings of more than six people in any setting, indoors or outdoors.”

The rule of six will be enforceable in law from Monday.

The change follows a rapid increase in the number of daily positive cases. The Government, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor all agreed that urgent action was necessary to stop the virus spreading and continue to protect the NHS.

The rule applies across England and replaces the existing ban on participating in gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors.

Now the only rule that people need to remember is to not participate in social gatherings of more than six people in any setting, indoors or outdoors.

It remains the case that organisers and facilitators of larger gatherings of more than 30 people – such as unlicensed music events – can be subject to fines of up to £10,000.

The Prime Minister has spoken to police forces about enforcement and the new lower limit will make it easier for police to identify illegal gatherings.

Police have continued to step up patrols in recent weeks and have cracked down on illegal gatherings during the pandemic. Deployments in some areas of concern – such as Leicester and Greater Manchester – have been larger than on New Year’s Eve.

The police will continue to engage with the public, explaining the rules and encouraging gatherings to disperse, but will be empowered to enforce the rules and issue fines where needed.

Exemptions include cases where a single household or support bubble is larger than six people. The rule also does not apply to gatherings for work or education purposes, and to other gatherings including weddings, funerals, and team sports organised in a COVID-19 secure way.

Venues following COVID-19 secure guidelines – such as places of worships, gyms, restaurants and other hospitality venues – can still hold more than six people in total. But within those venues, there must not be individual groups larger than six, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.

The rule will be kept under constant review and will only remain in place as long as is necessary.

Regulations

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 have been published bringing the changes into effect.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Changes have also been made in devolved areas, as reported:

Scotland: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland's route map update

Wales introduce further constraints on meeting socially and compulsory face coverings to help prevent new coronavirus crisis

Northern Ireland announces Localised restrictions in response to Covid-19 increases

Guidance updates

A number of guidance documents have been updated following the announcements, including:

• Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer public places- urban centres and green spaces
• Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Close contact services
• Hotels and other guest accommodation
• Offices and contact centres
• Performing Arts
• Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
• Shops and branches
• Visitor Economy

Guidance for the public

• Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
• Green spaces -  accessing green spaces safely
• Meeting with others safely (social distancing) replaces previous guidance ‘Meeting people from outside your household’ and Staying safe outside your home
• Staying alert and safe (social distancing)