From Monday it’s the ‘rule of six’

Published Friday, 11th September 2020

As Hartlepool continues to fight against a rising number of Coronavirus cases, residents are reminded of the tightening of social gathering rules coming into force nationally from Monday 14 September.

It will be against the law to meet (indoors or outdoors) people you do not live with in a group larger than six (unless you are meeting as a household or support bubble). The Police will have the power to enforce this, including to issue fines of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.

There will, however, be some exceptions where groups can be larger than six, including, for example, for work, education/training and funerals - for details of all the exceptions click here.

Venues which are following the COVID-19-secure guidelines will be able to host more people in total, but no-one should visit in a group of more than six.

When you visit one of these places – such as a pub, shop, leisure venue, restaurant or place of worship – you must:

  • follow the limit on the number of other people you should meet with as a group - no more than six people unless you all live together (or are in the same support bubble)
  • avoid social interaction with anyone outside the group you are with, even if you see other people you know
  • provide your contact details to the organiser so that you can be contacted if needed by the Government’s Test and Trace programme

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “These new restrictions should leave people in no doubt whatsoever about the increasing seriousness of the situation nationally as well as in Hartlepool.

“Please follow the new rules and also continue to maintain your handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing – HANDS, FACE AND SPACE – and if you have any of the Coronavirus symptoms, get a test straight away.

“Only if all of us follow the rules and don’t cut corners can we halt the resurgence of Coronavirus, protect those we love and save Hartlepool from the increasing prospect of another lockdown.”