The Government published new COVID-19 Regulations just before midnight on 13 September 2020, a mere 28 minutes before they were due to come into force. These new Regulations contain the new “rule of six”, as announced by Boris Johnson during his 9 September press conference. The new Regulations amend the earlier The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020.

The new Regulations are complicated. People are now prohibited in England from meeting in groups of more than six people unless an exception applies. We summarise the new regulations here. 

Early in the morning of 24 September 2020, further Regulations came into force. These Regulations impose restricted opening hours and other restrictions on certain businesses in England selling goods or providing services. They also make changes to the restrictions on gatherings in England, in relation to gatherings for support groups, weddings and other significant events, and sports gatherings.

Note that the new restrictions on the number of people able to weddings and other ceremonies come into force later on 28 September 2020.