Wakefield Council urges residents to follow new 'rule of six' coronavirus guidelines

In response to cases rising across the country, from Monday, September 14 it will not be possible to meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than six. This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes.

This is a legal requirement and anyone found to be breaking the rules will be fined.

Coun Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This change in law is vital to help slow the spread of coronavirus and I urge all our residents to please follow the ‘rule of six’.

“It is absolutely critical that we reduce the spread of infection, in our own district and across the country. The more people that test positive the higher the risk to those that are vulnerable – and it is critical that we all take the necessary action now to prevent more cases.

“We all have a responsibility to keep our friends and family safe.”

Anna Hartley, Wakefield’s director of public health, said: “We must all act now to help slow the spread of coronavirus by following the new measures set out by Government and continue following these five simple rules:

"Wear a face covering, if you can, in any enclosed public space

"Maintain social distancing, wherever possible

"Avoid any hugging or close contact with anyone outside your household

"Avoid car sharing with anyone outside your household, if you can

"Maintain regular handwashing.”

There will be a limited number of exemptions to the new rules, these include places of worship, restaurants and education and work settings.

People can access testing via the national NHS test and trace service by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

This service should only be used by people who have symptoms.