- 1. “The Six-Man Rule”
Social gatherings of more than six people have become illegal in England. Versions of the “six-person rule” – explained in detail – are now in force across the UK and are designed to provide clarity. Social gatherings of more than six people in England will be illegal from Monday – with some exceptions – amid a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
The changes to the law will ban large groups from gathering anywhere socially indoors or outdoors, the government said.
But this will not apply to schools, workplaces or weddings, funerals and organised team sports subject to Covid safety measures.
Those who fail to comply with the new measures will be fined £100, doubling each offence to a maximum of £3,200. However, there are significant differences within the UK. It applies indoors and outdoors in England and Scotland, but not in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland and Wales, children under 11 and 12 respectively are exempt. A reminder of why all this is being brought in – that crucial R number is rising.
2. Visit to the general practitioner
Every GP practice in England has been sent a letter telling them they must ensure patients can access face-to-face appointments where necessary. It follows concerns that vulnerable people are being excluded because of the pandemic. The Royal College of General Practitioners said it was an “insult” to suggest its members were not doing their jobs properly. It is estimated that half of the 102 million appointments made between March and July were by video or telephone.
3. A picture of gloomy affairs
Employers in Britain are preparing to cut more than twice as many jobs as they did at the height of the last recession. According to the Institute for Employment Studies, around 380,000 are planned between May and July this year – compared with 180,000 in the same period in 2009. Redundancies could reach 735,000 this autumn, researchers say. TUC leader Frances O’Grady is calling on the chancellor to “stand with working families” as the furlough scheme nears its end.
4. Record growth
Globally, a new daily record of coronavirus infections has been set. The World Health Organization reported more than 307,000 new cases on Sunday. Deaths rose by more than 5,500, bringing the total to 917,417. The biggest growth was recorded in India, the US and Brazil, but countries in Europe are also seeing an increase in infections.
5. Life under lock and key
The Duchess of Cambridge and the National Portrait Gallery will today launch a digital exhibition of photographs taken by members of the public during lockdown and isolation. More than 31,000 entries have been recorded, along with the topics of Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal, and Acts of Kindness. Finally, the judges chose the final 100 shortlisted – see a few in the BBC gallery https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-54122082 and see them all on the National Portrait Gallery website. https://www.npg.org.uk/hold-still/
