UK PM plans law banning large gatherings as COVID-19 cases rise

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning tougher new restrictions on social garings of more than six people in England starting next Monday, following a significant rise in coronavirus cases.

A law change to be introduced will ban larger groups of friends and family meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors, to be enforced through a 100 pounds fine if people fail to comply and doubling on each offence up to a maximum of 3,200 pounds.

rule will t apply to schools, workplaces or COVID-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports, Downing Street said on Wednesday.

"We need to act w to stop virus spreing. So we are simplifying and strengning rules on social contact making m easier to understand and for police to enforce, said Johnson.

"It is absolutely critical that people w abide by se rules and remember basics washing your hands, covering your face, keeping from ors, and getting a test if you have symptoms," he said.

Previously, guidance in England allowed garings of up to six people from different households outdoors or two households of any size, indoors or outdoors. But until w police have h powers to stop m unless garings exceeded 30 people.

Under new law, any group of seven or more people garing anywhere risks being dispersed by police or fined for n-compliance.

change applies to people in England of all s, and to garings indoors and outdoors, in private homes, public outdoor s, and venues such as pubs and restaurants.

devolved ministrations of Scotland, Wales and rrn Ireland set ir own coronavirus restrictions but largely follow similar patterns as set out for England.

Downing Street said UK PM held a virtual roundtable with police forces last week during which he was told that y wanted clearer rules and enforcement on social contact.

stricter restrictions come in from next week as 8,396 new coronavirus cases were reported since Sunday, with a rise of 2,460 on Tuesday. Ministers and scientists have expressed concern over this spike in cases in UK and urged public to t relax social distancing and or safety measures.