In this week's column for Biddulph Nub News, Moorlands MP Karen Bradley has urged people to follow the new "rule of six".

Many of you have contacted me about the Prime Minister's announcement last week concerning the new "rule of six".

I know that every change to the restrictions imposed on us is confusing, so the Government has tried to make the new restrictions as simple as possible: the maximum number of people who can meet to socialise is now limited to six.

The Prime Minister was clear that he has imposed these new rules because we are in danger of cases of Coronavirus getting out of control.

Despite the enormous sacrifices everyone has made over the last few months, the latest figures have shown an increase in the number of cases and we need to act now to stop the virus from spreading.

We cannot throw away all that effort now; we must do all we can to try to stop a second wave.

The new rule applies in any setting – indoors or outdoors, at home or in the park and this single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing 2 households to meet indoors.

Now people only need to remember the "rule of six".

There are of course some limited exemptions to this.

If a single household or support bubble is larger than six, they can still gather.

Likewise, Covid secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and pubs, cafés and restaurants can still hold more than six people in total – however, within the venues there must not be individual groups larger than six.

Schools and colleges and workplaces are unaffected.

It is so important that people abide by these rules and remember the basics – wash your hands, cover your face, keep space from others, and get a test if you have symptoms.

All details can be found on my website, karenbradley.co.uk

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