'Rule Of Six' Should Be Followed Immediately In North Yorkshire

People in North Yorkshire should begin following the government’s ‘rule of six’ immediately and not wait until Monday, a police chief has said.

Chief inspector Charlotte Bloxham said it is “vital” that people react quickly to the new restrictions announced in response to a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

The government said social gatherings of more than six people – anywhere indoors or outdoors – will be illegal from Monday, with £100 fines for people who fail to comply.

“It is vital that we react quickly to this advice and do everything we can to prevent the spread of the virus, as we all know how dangerous and devastating Covid-19 can be,” chief inspector Bloxham said.

“We would encourage everyone to implement the ‘rule of six’ straight away and we would particularly encourage those in the most affected age groups to consider the responsibility they carry when they do socialise.”

The new rules – which come into force on 14 September – mark a change to the government’s current guidance.

At present, the guidance says two households of any size are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors.

Until now the police have had no powers to stop gatherings unless they exceeded 30.

The new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

The £100 fines for those who fail to comply will double on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said clear guidance on the rules is needed and that officers will only use enforcement as a last resort.

“As always, it is important that we do all we can to stop the spread of Covid-19,” she said.

“These new rules are an attempt to achieve that, and I welcome the aim that they should be as simple as possible – both for those of us who are being asked to follow them, and for those who are being asked to check that we are.”

Like the rest of the country, North Yorkshire has seen a significant rise in cases in the last week, particularly among young people.

There have been increases across the county, but particularly in the Selby, Scarborough and Harrogate areas.

The last seven days saw 146 new cases in North Yorkshire, including 45 in the Harrogate district, 32 in Scarborough borough and 43 in Selby district.

Chief inspector Bloxham said:

“In previous months, the public of North Yorkshire have responded brilliantly when new advice has been issued and we are fortunate that the large majority of the public want to work with us to help protect the vulnerable and keep our communities safe.

“We expect the same response from the public in this instance.

“So please ensure you maintain the two-metre distance and wear a face covering when needed.”

Summary: What are the new rules?

Social gatherings of more than six people in England will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September.

The new rule applies to people in private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor spaces.

It applies to all ages.

The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, or weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

A full list of exemptions is due to be published before the law changes.

People who ignore police could be fined £100 – doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200.