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.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
The Manc -
14th September 2020 
