Posted on Monday 14th September 2020
Staffordshire residents are being reminded it will be illegal from Monday for most people to meet indoors or outdoors in groups of more than six.
The new “Rule of Six” law aims to bolster national efforts to contain the spread of the virus and anybody caught flouting risks a fine of £100, rising to £3,200 for repeat offences.
In Staffordshire, extra measures also apply to people living in COVID-19 affected areas of Burton and people can find out more about the Burton Extra advice and if it applies to them at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/burtonoutbreak
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said:
“We are starting to see COVID-19 tighten its grip on the country’s towns and cities, so it is really important that we all follow the guidance including the new laws from tomorrow.
“In Staffordshire, we are doing everything we can to stop the spread of the virus, to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, to keep people back in work and to support our local economy.
“But to succeed, we need everyone to play their part. Nobody is immune from this deadly virus and keeping to the new law of meeting groups of no more than six is a small ask if it means many more lives and livelihoods will be potentially saved.”
The new laws mean:
- You are not allowed to meet socially in groups of more than six either indoors or outdoors
- Police have the powers to give on the spot fines of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200
- People whose household is larger than six can socialise together, but not with anyone else if everyone is present
- Where there is only one adult in the household they can continue to meeting with one other household of any size, known as a support bubble
More information on the new laws and exemptions can be found on the Government’s Frequently Asked Questions page.