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Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a stark warning to the UK on Tuesday night, after a deadly spike in cases of coronavirus triggered more restrictions for England, Wales and Scotland. He announced “a package of tougher measures in England” including early closing for pubs, restaurants and bars.

Speaking on Tuesday night Mr Johnson said he was “once again asking office workers to work from home if they can while enforcing the rule of six indoors and outdoors – a tougher package of national measures combined with the potential for tougher local restrictions for areas already in lockdown.”

He continued: “I know that this approach – robust but proportionate – already carries the support of all the main parties in Parliament.

“After discussion with colleagues in the devolved administrations, I believe this broad approach is shared across the whole UK.

“And to those who say we don’t need this stuff, and we should leave people to take their own risks, I say these risks are not our own.”

Read More: Rule of six: Police ‘swamped’ by people snitching on their neighbours

What is the rule of six?

The rule of six states any gathering of more than six people in England is illegal unless it meets one of the exemptions.

This applies to people meeting both indoors and outdoors.

From Thursday, adult team sport events can only now have six players and across the country, COVID-secure marshals will be hired to crack down on rule-breakers.

Fines have increased, with people who break the rules fined £200 for a first offence.

Children and babies count as one person, no matter their age.

What are exceptions to the rule of six?

There are some exceptions to the rule of six, but not many.

Households or support bubbles which consist of more than six people are exempt from the new rules.

Support bubbles are ones which permit adults who live by themselves and single parents with children under the age of 18 to link up with just one other household.

These support bubbles can visit each other inside homes and travel in cars together.

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Another exception to the rule of six is for weddings.

However, the numbers have halved from 30 people to 15 people from Thursday.

This number includes the bride and groom, any guests, the celebrant and people like photographers or caterers.

Weddings must take place in a COVID-secure manner, meaning guests should adhere to social distancing, no singing and wear face masks.

Funerals are another exception, with up to 30 people allowed to attend.

Initially, this number had been between five and 10, however, after fierce criticism the Government increased those who could attend.

Schools and workplaces can also continue to be open, so long as COVID-secure measures are in place.

Mr Johnson has asked for all those who can work from home to do so, but offices can remain open.

Churches and places of worship can remain open, however, any congregation members must stay one metre apart.

Services have been asked to finish as soon as possible, with anyone in attendance told to leave quickly afterwards.

Another few exceptions are grouse hunting and outdoor sporting events.

Indoor adult team games must now have to abide by the rule of six, with only six players allowed to play at once.

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