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Under 12s will stay part of rule of six, Michael Gove says

Jimmy Nsubuga
·2 min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Groups of over six people socialise in Saint James' Park in Westminster on September 09, 2020 in London, England. The Government has just announced new limits on social gatherings with no more than six people being able to meet socially either indoors or outdoors from Monday, in a bid to prevent a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The government has announced new limits on social gatherings (Picture: Getty)

Under 12s will remain part of the new “rule of six” which limits the number of people who can meet up, Michael Gove has said.

From Monday, it will become illegal to gather in groups of more than six people in England except for certain situations, as authorities try to get a grip on the sharp rise in newly recorded coronavirus infections.

It was hoped England may exempt children from this as they’ve done in Wales and Scotland but cabinet office minister Gove has said this will not happen.

He said the inclusion of under 12s was “absolutely right” and the new restrictions were "well-understood" and supported by the public.

The government has faced some push back from Conservative backbenchers over the new rules who suggested some children be exempt.

Gove told Radio 4 on Saturday morning: "As ever, the important thing is balance - eating out, seeing friends - that is fine, provided we do so in a way that is socially responsible, that's what the Rule of Six is about."

He added: "So therefore, a clear message - as simple as possible - makes it easier for all of us to do what is helpful to others."

In an interview with BBC Breakfast Gove also reminded the public of their responsibilities after concerns were raised over people having a “party weekend” before the new rules come into force next week.

New measures banning people from mixing in homes and gardens will be imposed on Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell from Tuesday in response to a rocketing infection rate in the area.

John Apter, of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “There is a real risk some members of the public will take advantage of the current situation and treat this weekend as a party weekend ahead of the tighter restrictions being introduced on Monday.”

With the UK death toll reaching 38,489, a further 113 victims in the last 24hrs, and the government's pandemic lockdown still in effect, children race around other south Londoners practicing social distances in Ruskin Park, a public green space in the borough of Lambeth, on 31st May 2020, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Under-12s will not be exempt from the new rules (Picture: Getty)

Gove added: “These rules and regulations are there for our protection, but also for the protection of the most vulnerable in society.”

He warned fines could be used to enforce the rules if necessary.

Coronavirus cases in the UK have risen to the highest level since mid-May, with a total of 3,539 new cases recorded on Friday.

It is the highest daily figure since May 17 and Public Health England’s medical director Professor Yvonne Doyle warned it is a reminder of the “ongoing risk as the virus spreads throughout the UK”.

The figure rose sharply from 2,919 the previous day and most cases are people who have been tested in the community.

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