Over the past weeks the UK and Europe have seen a significant rise in coronavirus cases. On Thursday the 24th September alone the UK recorded 6,634 cases - the highest since May. But take this into consideration… 


  • The demand for COVID-19 tests has risen massively since all schools went back.

  • In March when the start of the first COVID wave was happening, many, many fewer tests were being carried out.

  • Professor Linda Bauld from Edinburgh University said that if as many people were getting a test in March we would have found that a lot more cases would have been recorded.


As you would expect with rising case numbers all the devolved governments of the UK have introduced more restrictions on what the public can do. Most notably the ‘rule of six’. 


This means…


  • No gatherings socially in groups of more than 6 people in England. In Scotland these gatherings are limited to the outdoors and only between 2 households.

  • In England there are no exceptions, in Scotland this rule does not count if you are 12 or under but in Wales it applies only if you are indoors.

  • In Scotland visiting other people's houses is no longer permitted. This rule does not apply to the rest of the UK.

  • Pubs, bars and restaurants will now close at 10pm.

  • Obviously, to keep schools open exceptions must be made. There will also be exceptions for places of work and people who provide care. 

  • All of the different countries within the UK have different rules so be aware if you are travelling. 


Experts also say that to protect people that are most vulnerable we must absolutely follow the guidelines. You wouldn’t want to break them anyway, the police can charge £100 for a first offence doubling on each further offence to £3,200. 


To find out more about the rules and regulations in your area visit  


https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus, 


https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/, 


https://gov.wales/coronavirus  


https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19


If we stick to the rules then cases will decrease and we can get back to a version of normality.