England bans gatherings of 6 or more as coronavirus cases re-spike

In Britain, the government says that beginning Monday, gatherings of more than six people in England are banned. Officials are working to thwart a spike in new coronavirus infections. The recent jump in daily cases is blamed on "party-going young adults disregarding social distancing rules," reports AP:

The U.K. has the worst COVID-19 death toll in all of Europe, with nearly 41,600 deaths within 28 days of testing positive, with the actual toll probably much higher, because the government tally does omits persons who died without being tested.

From the Associated Press:

Downing Street said urgent action was needed after the number of daily laboratory-confirmed positive cases hit nearly 3,000 on Sunday. The figure dipped Tuesday to 2,460.

Officials said that starting Monday, the legal limit on all social gatherings in England will be reduced from the current 30 people to six. The new law applies both indoors and outdoors, including private homes, restaurants and parks. Failure to comply could result in a 100-pound ($130) fine.

Weddings, school, funerals and organized team sports are exempt, and larger gatherings will also be allowed if the household or "support bubble" is larger than six.

More at the Associated Press.

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