Explainer

Coronavirus: What lockdown breaches can you be fined for?

Britons could face fines for gathering in groups larger than six and for not wearing face coverings in mandatory places.

People who break coronavirus lockdown rules in England could face fines of up to £10,000
Image: People who break coronavirus lockdown rules in England could face fines of up to £10,000
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People who breach coronavirus lockdown rules in England could face fines of up to £10,000, the government has said.

Fines will start at £1,000 and rise to £10,000 for repeat offenders including those who stop others from self-isolating - such as an employer who asks a staff member to come into work in violation of an order.

The penalties also apply to people who fail to quarantine for 14 days after returning home from a country on the UK's quarantine list.

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What do you think of the new self-isolation fine?

The new regulations will come into force in England on 28 September and could be soon extended UK-wide.

What else can you be fined for in England and the rest of the UK?

Rule of Six

As of 14 September, new laws came into force banning groups of six or more gathering inside or outside in England.

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Those in a large group without a work or education exemption could face a penalty - which doubles on each repeat offence up to a maximum number.

In Scotland, people can only meet indoors or outdoors in groups of six - but they are limited to two households and children under 12 do not count towards the maximum number.

In Wales, the rule of six also applies indoors, but there is no limit on the number of children under the age of 11.

People who gather in groups larger than six could face fines
Image: People who gather in groups larger than six could face fines

In Northern Ireland, the rule of six currently only applies in Ballymena, Co Antrim and the Belfast city council area.

While the rule of six applies outdoors in both England and Scotland, gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors are still allowed in Wales and Northern Ireland.

New lockdowns mean 13.5 million Britons are under extra restrictions - the rules where you are
New lockdowns mean 13.5 million Britons are under extra restrictions - the rules where you are

Face coverings

People who do not wear face coverings where it is mandated such as public transport, shops and supermarkets could also face fines.

Scotland already implemented rules on face masks in shops in July, while Northern Ireland did in August.

Those who refuse to wear face masks in shops and on public transport may be penalised
Image: Those who refuse to wear face masks in shops and on public transport may be penalised

What are the differences in fines across the UK?

Those aged 18 and over in England can be fined £100 for the first offence - lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days - doubling on each repeat offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

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In Scotland, people aged 16 and over can be fined £60 for each further offence up to a maximum of £960.

People aged 18 and over in Wales and Northern Ireland can be fined £60 for the first offence, lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days - doubling for each repeat offence up to a £960 maximum.