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Covid rules: How much of the UK is now under some sort of lockdown? Covid rules: How much of the UK is now under some sort of lockdown?
(about 3 hours later)
New restrictions have been introduced in parts of north-east England, banning two households from mixing with each other indoors.New restrictions have been introduced in parts of north-east England, banning two households from mixing with each other indoors.
The prime minister apologised after he "misspoke" when answering a question on the new rules.The prime minister apologised after he "misspoke" when answering a question on the new rules.
What's happening in north-east England?What's happening in north-east England?
In the affected areas, people will no longer be allowed to mix with anyone outside their own household in any indoor setting. In the affected areas, people will no longer be allowed to mix with anyone outside their own household in any indoor setting (although support bubbles are exempt).
In other words, you will be banned from going for a drink or a meal with someone you don't live with, in a pub or restaurant. The BBC has been told mixing in pub gardens or outdoor restaurant spaces will not be illegal but goes against advice.In other words, you will be banned from going for a drink or a meal with someone you don't live with, in a pub or restaurant. The BBC has been told mixing in pub gardens or outdoor restaurant spaces will not be illegal but goes against advice.
The measure comes into force on Wednesday 30 September and affects Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland. The measure comes into force on Wednesday 30 September and affects County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.
Households in the region had already been advised to avoid mixing - including in homes - but the new ban will be enforced with fines. Anyone over 18 found breaking the rules can be dispersed by police, or face fines starting at £200 and going up to £6,400.Households in the region had already been advised to avoid mixing - including in homes - but the new ban will be enforced with fines. Anyone over 18 found breaking the rules can be dispersed by police, or face fines starting at £200 and going up to £6,400.
The restrictions don't apply to schools or workplaces.The restrictions don't apply to schools or workplaces.
The measures have been criticised for causing "confusion" because of a lack of detail.The measures have been criticised for causing "confusion" because of a lack of detail.
When asked if people in the North East can still meet people from other households outside, such as in a pub garden, Mr Johnson said people should follow local guidance and urged them to use their common sense. He went on to wrongly to talk about the rule of six. When asked if people in the North East can still meet people from other households outside, such as in a pub garden, Mr Johnson said people should follow local guidance and urged them to use their common sense. He went on to wrongly talk about the rule of six.
Which other areas have restrictions?Which other areas have restrictions?
The nature and extent of restrictions vary around the UK. Some of the rules and places include:The nature and extent of restrictions vary around the UK. Some of the rules and places include:
England:England:
Wales:Wales:
Scotland:Scotland:
Northern Ireland:Northern Ireland:
Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How many people are under extra restrictions?How many people are under extra restrictions?
In total, at least 16.6 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - about one in four people.In total, at least 16.6 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - about one in four people.
This includes:This includes:
Currently, 65% of northern England faces restrictions and 22% of the Midlands.Currently, 65% of northern England faces restrictions and 22% of the Midlands.
When are new restrictions introduced in an area?When are new restrictions introduced in an area?
There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place, but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place, but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered.
The number of infections is not the only factor considered.The number of infections is not the only factor considered.
For example, cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August. But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no restrictions were introduced.For example, cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August. But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no restrictions were introduced.
What are 'areas of concern'?What are 'areas of concern'?
Since June, Public Health England has been publishing a weekly Covid-19 surveillance list.Since June, Public Health England has been publishing a weekly Covid-19 surveillance list.
This lists those local authority areas where incidence of the disease is rising, sorting them into three categories:This lists those local authority areas where incidence of the disease is rising, sorting them into three categories:
On 25 September, all 33 London boroughs were listed as areas of concern.On 25 September, all 33 London boroughs were listed as areas of concern.
How are these rules enforced?How are these rules enforced?
Local authorities in England have powers to:Local authorities in England have powers to:
Central government can:Central government can:
Can police enforce the rules?Can police enforce the rules?
Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions. For example, if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight, they can tell them to return home.Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions. For example, if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight, they can tell them to return home.
They can also fine people for breaking the rules, and may issue a "prohibition notice" directing somebody not to do something.They can also fine people for breaking the rules, and may issue a "prohibition notice" directing somebody not to do something.
But if a resident from a locked-down area wants to go to a bar in another part of the city, for example, there is nothing legally to stop them.But if a resident from a locked-down area wants to go to a bar in another part of the city, for example, there is nothing legally to stop them.