Matt Hancock said the Government was moving to give more clarity the rules around social gatherings by limiting groups to six either indoors or outdoors.

Boris Johnson made the announcement that from Monday it will be illegal of groups more than six to meet up, after a sudden surge in coronavirus cases prompted fears of a second wave.

It is the first time the Prime Minister has imposed a nationwide lockdown measure since restrictions began to be eased in May and reflects growing alarm in Government at the sharp rise in infections, which was followed on Tuesday by a jump in daily deaths.

From Monday, anyone breaking the six-person rule will be liable to a £100 on-the-spot fine, which will double on repeat offences up to £3,200.

The limit of six people from up to six households will apply to adults and children indoors and outdoors, in homes, gardens, parks and venues such as pubs and restaurants.

The current "two household" rule, which has allowed up to 30 people from two different homes to meet up, will be scrapped so that all family and social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal.

It will mean a family of five will only be allowed to meet one grandparent at a time, while families of six or more will be banned from meeting anyone at all.

There will be a limited number of exemptions including weddings, funerals, Covid-secure team sports, schools, workplaces and house

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