What is the rule of six and when does it start?

Since its inception in September 2020, the Government has used the rule of six to limit social gatherings across England in a bid to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections spiralling out of control.

Under Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, the rule will come back into force from Monday (March 29) and allow people to socialise outside of their household bubbles - meaning Easter picnics and barbecues will be on the cards.

But, what does the rule of six mean and who is exempt from this restriction?

What is the rule of six and who does it include?

People enjoying the Autumn sunshine in Kings Cross, London. The public has been urged to act "in tune" with Covid-19 guidelines before the "rule of six" restrictions come into force on Monday. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday September 13, 2020. Photo

The rule of six means people are allowed to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of six people under Government law.

Any gathering that exceeds this number is banned and the police are permitted to disperse groups of more than six people, as well as fine individuals.

No more than two households can get together under this law and people still need to socially distance from each other.

According to the Government's roadmap, those who are "eligible to form a support bubble will still be able to do so, enabling close contact for many of those in most need of support, and will continue to be counted as part of the same household".

The rule also includes private gardens.

Are children included in the rule of six?

The youngest school children have returned to schools this week

All children will be able to access any outdoor childcare and supervised activities from March 29.

Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees.

Children under five-years-old don't count towards the attendee limit, according to the Government's roadmap.

The roadmap does not explicitly say the same will apply to the rule of six, but those who are under five could be treated in the same way for future guidance.

When will the rule of six apply indoors?

The rule of six could see families and friends meeting indoors no earlier than May 17 as part of step three of the plan.

This could come at the same time people are allowed to hug each other again, but the Government will have to review vaccine efficacy, including its impact on transmission, before a decision is made.

Until then, everyone should keep socially distancing from anyone who isn't in their household or support bubble.

From May 17, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors and concert halls, theatres and sports stadiums should be allowed to reopen.

Most restrictions on meeting outdoors could be lifted at this point, but gatherings with more than 30 people will remain illegal.

What are the fines for breaking the rule of six?

Anyone caught flouting the rule could initially be fined £100, rising to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offenders.

But, the Prime Minister said after the rule was announced the amount people could be fined for breaching the rule of six or not wearing a face mask would double to £200 to discourage people from breaking the rule.