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32 of the most confused and baffled reactions to the government's new lockdown rules

32 of the most confused and baffled reactions to the government's new lockdown rules
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Social gatherings of more than six people will now be banned across England from 14 September, according to new rules announced on Tuesday evening.

You will no longer be able to meet up with more than five other people at a time in homes, parks, pubs and restaurants – but you can if you’re going to work, school, weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

Ahead of a formal press conference on Wednesday announcing the new rule, Boris Johnson said:

We need to act now to stop the virus spreading. So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact - making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.

It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics - washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others, and getting a test if you have symptoms.

No 10 said any group of seven or more people gathering anywhere "risks being dispersed by police or fined for non-compliance".

First offenders will reportedly be fined £100, which will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.

It’s the 'baffling' exemptions causing a fierce backlash on Twitter though.

Some people questioned why the lockdown wasn’t going into immediate effect:

While others were just disappointed and angry, especially at the fact “Lockdown 2” was trending on Twitter:

Many people pointed out the mixed messaging in encouraging them to spend money to help out the economy – such as with the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme last month – and enforcing this new rule:

Many people called out the double standard of letting kids go back to school – where they’ll likely be in classrooms of up to 30 people – but enforcing this new six-person rule:

And same for work:

And even weddings:

What a mess...

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