Coronavirus rules: What can do you under new restrictions in each UK country?

The general consensus among scientists and lawmakers across the world appears to be that targeted and localised restrictions are the most effective and efficient response to the coronavirus pandemic.

But in the United Kingdom, as the rules have gradually diverged with often minute differences across four countries and scores of regions, even the prime minister has had difficulties in keeping up to date with the latest restrictions - many of which he has made punishable by law.

While ministers have said the rules will change again “in the coming days”, The Independent has created a country-by-country guide, sometimes broken down by region, to the current restrictions.

Which rules are shared by all four nations?

No matter where you are in the UK, these basic rules will apply - however they will likely go much further depending on where you are.

The ‘rule of six’

While this restriction varies significantly from place to place, UK residents are currently forbidden from meeting in groups of six people in nearly all settings - with the least strict variation coming in parts of England, where more than two households may gather.

Face masks

Currently face masks must be worn across the British Isles while on public transport, in shops and many other indoor settings, which vary slightly between nation.

Curfews

In a bid to stem rising infections but keep hospitality venues open, strict 10pm curfews have been imposed on pubs, bars and restaurants in Scotland, England and Wales. Those in Northern Ireland can stay open until 11pm.

How do the rules differ in England?

While many parts of England are allowed to socialise with up to five other people from five other households in their homes, gardens and hospitality settings, further restrictions have been introduced in:

• Greater Manchester

• Leicester

• The North East (Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough)

• Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen

• Merseyside, Halton and Warrington

• West Midlands (Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton)

• West Yorkshire (Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees)

Socialising has been restricted by varying degrees in these areas, with people banned or advised against meeting with other households in homes, gardens and hospitality venues.

In several of these areas, all non-essential travel is being advised against - which does not include travelling to school or work where impossible to do so from home.

Only 15 people can attend weddings and 30 can attend funerals. Places of worship may admit as many people as safely possible, but the rule of six and local restrictions still apply.

Across England, businesses and venues can be fined £1,000 for a first offence, and £10,000 on their fourth violation.

The cost of fixed penalty notices for individuals breaking social distancing legislation now sit at £200, with a maximum penalty of £6,400 for repeat offenders. Anyone caught hosting a gathering of more than 30 people can be fined £10,000.

For more detailed advice pertaining to each region, check the government’s website.

How do the rules differ in Scotland?

Scotland’s rules have long been somewhat stricter than in England, with Nicola Sturgeon’s rule of six including a ban on more than two households meeting up in any setting.

And as of Friday, pubs and restaurants will only be allowed to open indoors between 6am and 6pm, and will not be allowed to serve alcohol except for outdoors, where they can do so until 10pm.

Face masks will be compulsory in all indoor communal settings, while shops are being told to reintroduce the two-metre social distancing rule.

Meanwhile Scotland’s central belt - comprising the Lothian, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Forth Valley, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire & Arran health boards - will be subject to even harsher new curbs.

In the affected regions, which house the majority of the Scottish population, all licenced premises will be forced to close, operating instead a takeaway service only.

Residents have been told to avoid public transport unless absolutely necessary, and are advised not to leave their local areas.

Snooker halls, casinos and bowling alleys have been forced to close, while contact sports have also been banned except at a professional level.

No more than 20 people may attend funerals, weddings and civil partnerships.

Individuals breaking the rules in Scotland can be fined £60 for a first offence, and up to £960 for repeat offenders. Firms and individuals can also be taken to court, where they face a maximum fine of £10,000.

What are the rules in Wales?

Those living in 15 of Wales’s 22 local authorities are now subject to additional lockdown restrictions - and are forbidden from leaving these areas without a “reasonable excuse”.

While meeting with more than one household is already banned in most indoor settings, in the affected areas, households are also banned from mixing in each others’ houses.

Residents have also been forbidden from going on holiday, with first minister Mark Drakeford saying it would breach the law for people to take holidays they had already booked.

Some 30 people are currently allowed to attend weddings and wakes.

Fines of £60 can be issued to those breaking rules for the first time, rising to £1,960 for repeat offenders, and £10,000 in certain cases.

What are the rules in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland’s rule of six also forbids more than two households from meeting up indoors and in any hospitality setting, but social bubbles are permitted.

Live music and dancing within pubs, bars and restaurants is also forbidden.

Local restrictions have also been imposed in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, where residents have been advised against all unnecessary travel. Hospitality venues can remain open for takeaway, delivery and outdoor dining only.

Generally, the maximum number of people permitted to attend weddings and funerals is dependent upon the size of the venue, with a cap of 30 mourners at a graveside.

Individuals caught breaking the rules face a fine of at least £200, rising to a maximum of £960 for repeat offenders. Businesses can be fined between £1,000 and £10,000.