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Coronavirus news you may have missed overnight: ‘Rule of six’ comes into force across England as new cases rise by 3,000 for third consecutive day

More than 28.93 million infected worldwide, with 921,437 deaths

Kate Ng
Monday 14 September 2020 09:41 BST
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People relaxing in Regents Park by the lake
People relaxing in Regents Park by the lake

The government’s “rule of six” coronavirus restriction, which puts a ban on gatherings of more than six people indoors and outdoors, comes into force in England today as the number of new infections continues to rise in its thousands.

Globally, the number of positive Covid-19 cases hit a record one-day increase on Sunday with the total rising by 307,930 in 24 hours, according to the World Health Organisation.

Here is your daily briefing of coronavirus news you may have missed overnight:

Metropolitan Police deploys officers across London to enforce new coronavirus ‘rule of six’

Police will patrol public spaces across London to enforce tighter ‘rule of six’ coronavirus restrictions.

Officers will also respond “swiftly” to reports of groups gathering in large numbers, and fines of up to £100 will be issued “where necessary”, said the force. Repeat offenders face a maximum penalty of £3,200.

Officers would continue to use the “Four Es” model of policing adopted throughout the country in relation to coronavirus laws, which involved first engaging, explaining and encouraging people to follow the regulations before deciding whether to enforce them with fines.

UK coronavirus cases rise by more than 3,000 for third day in a row

The UK has recorded over 3,000 new Covid-19 cases for the third consecutive day for the first time since May.

On Sunday, 3,330 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed, according to government data, compared with 3,497 a day earlier.

A further five new deaths were also reported, bringing the national total to 41,628.

Officials issue Halloween warning over Covid-19

Experts and officials have begun sounding the death knell for Halloween despite the event being six weeks away.

Planned events in Paisley and Fife have reportedly already been cancelled with others expected to follow suit. But some parents on social media have been discussing how to celebrate Halloween at home with their children.

There are also concerns for older people about returning to the normal Halloween traditions, which includes answering the door to trick or treaters this Halloween.

GPs told to offer face-to-face appointments to patients in need

GPs have been warned they face enforcement action if they refuse to offer face-to-face appointments to patients who need them amid the coronavirus crisis, as it is considered a breach of their medical contract.

NHS chiefs sent a letter to all practices in England to tell them it was important the public is aware they could still access in-person consultations with their doctor.

Matt Hancock announced at the end of July that all future GP appointments in England should be done remotely over the phone or video unless there is a “compelling” clinical reason.

Nikki Kanani, medical director of primary care for NHS England, urged people not to stay away from GP practices if they are in need of medical attention.

Teenager apologises for hosting illegal house party after £10,000 fine

A 19-year-old man who was fined £10,000 for holding a house party with over 50 guests on the weekend has apologised to his neighbours for breaking coronavirus regulations.

The student said in a handwritten note that the “foolish gathering” at his home in Lenton, Nottingham, had “got out of hand”.

He claimed that he and his housemates had only invited 25 friends to the 21st birthday celebration, but dozens more turned up unexpectedly.

“It was a major lapse in judgement on our end given both the disturbance we caused as well as the current pandemic that is taking a toll on our society… We are eager to make amends,” he wrote.

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