U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that his government is re-introducing the "rule of 6" starting Monday to ban gatherings of more than 6 people in any setting amid a "sharp rise" in COVID-19 cases.

Johnson said the new restriction doesn't mean the country is in lockdown again, however, the rules will be enforced by police and anyone violating them will be fined and possibly arrested.

Some exceptions of the rule of 6 include COVID-secure venues like places of worship, restaurants, gyms and hospitality venues which can have over 6 people in total but with no individual groups consisting of more than 6 people.

Education and work settings will not be affected by the new rule.

Chief medical officer for England and chief medical advisor to the U.K. government Dr. Chris Whitty said the country is seeing a rapid increase of cases just like the country has seen in April.

He also commented on the suspension of COVID-19 vaccine trials in phase 3 being done with the University of Oxford by AstraZeneca Plc drugmaker, saying "it's not unusual."

AstraZeneca Plc and the University of Oxford said the trial has been paused due to an unexplained illness in a study participant.

The vaccine has been described by the World Health Organization as probably the world's leading candidate and the most advanced in terms of development.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/7322708/oxford-covid-vaccine-hold/

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