Groups of more than six banned in England from 14 September - following large rise in Covid cases

Illustration of COVID-19, created by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal across England from Monday (14 September), following a large rise in coronavirus cases.

The government has said the law change will ban large groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors – but this won’t apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

It will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply, before doubling on each offence to a maximum of £3,200.

The Prime Minister is expected to give further details of the changes at a Downing Street press conference at 4pm today (Wednesday 9 September), alongside senior advisers Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.

The new rules will apply to all ages – and a full list of exemptions is due to be published before the law changes.