Rule of six: the key changes to lockdown restrictions

Friends and families across England are preparing to meet up as the “rule of six” finally returns after months of lockdown.

Small groups can meet outdoors from today, with the government unveiling the new slogan “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air” to emphasise the importance of ventilation in stopping the coronavirus from spreading.

Group outdoor sports and weddings attended by up to six people (including the couple) can also resume, as the legal stay-at-home order officially ends on what newspapers have dubbed “Happy Monday”.

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Who can meet?

From today, people in England can meet in a group of six - including children of all ages - from up to six households, or in a group of any number from a maximum of two households, which can include existing support bubbles.

Where can they go?

For now, groups from different households can only meet outside. These gatherings can take place in parks, beaches, allotments, playgrounds, heritage sites and other public spaces, and also in private gardens.

The government accepts that people may need to go inside to use the bathroom, or go through a property to get outdoors. In these situations, the advice on gov.uk is for people to wash their hands thoroughly, wear a face covering, maintain social distancing and go back outside as quickly as possible.

Families and friends have also been told to “resist the temptation to hug after the first big relaxation of lockdown restrictions”, says The Times, which points out that the easing of rules “coincides with a mini-heatwave” in the UK.

Are there still fines?

Yes, anyone breaking the rules can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling up for further offences to a maximum of £6,400. Holding an illegal gathering of more than 30 people can be punished with a fine of up to £10,000.

When can people meet indoors?

The rule of six or two households will not be extended to indoor settings until at least 17 May. From that date, the government also hopes to ease legal restrictions on the number of people meeting outside to around 30.

Why six?

MPs voted last October to extend emergency Covid restrictions, but some rebel Tories argued that the rule of six was “not based on scientific evidence”, as the BBC reported at the time. Hitting back at the critics in the Commons, Health Minister Helen Whately said the number was chosen to help make the guidance “simple and absolutely clear for everybody”.

The rule of six enabled “a level of socialising for the sake of people’s quality of life, while taking steps to control the virus”, Whately told MPs.

What about the rest of the UK?

• In Wales: rules were eased on Saturday to allow six people from two households to meet outdoors. Children under 11 are not included in the count.
• In Scotland: the current limit of four people from two households meeting outdoors is expected to be extended from 26 April to six people from three households. Under-18s will be able to meet in a group of six from six households from this date.
• In Northern Ireland: six people, including children, from two households can meet in a private garden from Thursday. From 12 April, this is limit is due to be extended to ten people, including children, from two households.