The new ‘Rule of Six’ comes into effect today: Here’s what you can and can’t do
Police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 for any groups caught flouting the rules, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.
Boris Johnson’s ‘Rule of Six’ officially comes into force today (14 September) – meaning members of the public are only permitted to socialise in groups of half-a-dozen max.
The curbs on mass gatherings have been introduced as part of the government’s recent efforts to arrest the rise of coronavirus cases in the UK – with the country now recording over 3,000 positive tests per day.
The Rule of Six is set to be enforceable by law; applying in any setting, whether that’s “indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.”
Those who do not follow the rules could face a “criminal record“.
Police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 for breaches, doubling for further breaches up to £3,200.
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Those found guilty of organising mass gatherings of 30 people or more are liable for fines of up to £10,000.
Socialising restrictions remain even tighter in the ‘high-risk’ area of Greater Manchester.
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Anyone living in one of the local boroughs (except for Stockport and Wigan) should avoid mixing with other households in any setting.
In Bolton – which has more coronavirus cases than any other part of the country – businesses and venues must close from 10pm to 5am each day, whilst the hospitality sector can only operate takeout services.
Casinos, skating rinks and bowling alleys – which opened last month in other parts of Greater Manchester – remain closed.
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The government has also listed a number of exceptions to the Rule of Six.
These include:
Where everyone lives together or is in the same support bubble, or to continue existing arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents
Work, and voluntary or charitable services
Education, training, or registered childcare
Fulfilling legal obligations such as attending court or jury service
Providing emergency assistance, or providing support to a vulnerable person
For you or someone else to avoid illness, injury or harm
Participate in children’s playgroups
Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, or for other religious life-cycle ceremonies – where up to 30 people will be able to attend
Funerals – where up to 30 people will be able to attend
Protests and political activities organised in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidance and subject to strict risk assessments.
Holidaying is still permitted, provided you go with the people in your household/bubble and the group is no larger than six.
Restaurants and pubs not currently under local lockdown rules can continue to welcome patrons; but those who attend should not do so in groups of more than six.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
14th September 2020 
