Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that mixing with another household in any indoor setting, including pubs and restaurants, will become illegal in parts of north-east England.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said the number of coronavirus cases in the area had risen ‘sharply’, with more than 100 infections per 100,000 people.
He went on to say that a large number of the infections were taking place in ‘indoor settings outside the home’.
He continued: ‘So, at the request of the local councils, with whom we’ve been working closely, we will introduce legal restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting.’
So when does the new law apply, and what is the fine for breaking it?
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Mixing between households in any indoor setting, such in your home or in a pub or restaurant, will be against the law from midnight tonight.
This means that meeting up with your mate from a different household for a drink at a bar will be illegal.
People in the North East are still permitted to attend social venues with their household, so long as the pre-existing rules of face coverings, table service, and the 10pm curfew are followed.
This new law will affect nearly two million people in Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham.
Households in the region had already been advised to avoid mixing but the new law will be enforced with fines.
Those over 18 can be fined £200 for their first offence, which would be halved if paid within 14 days.
Second offences would occur a £400 fine, which would then double for each subsequent offence up to a maximum of £6,400.
Anyone found to be breaking the rules and taking part in an illegal gathering could be dispersed by police.
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