Last night the government announced new Covid-19 restrictions.

The new rules follow a sharp rise in new cases with over 8,000 being recorded since the weekend.

So here is how the rules affect us in Teddington.

The new rules

Simply put social gatherings of over six people, inside or outside, are illegal.

Previously this rule was set at thirty.

These rules will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply, doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

The new rules come into force on September 14th.

The rules apply to private homes and parks as well as hospitality venues.

This means you will not be able to book a table of more than six people.

What are the exemptions?

The new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

Households and support bubbles bigger than six people are also unaffected.

A fuller list of exemptions will be published following a press conference from Prime Minister Boris Johnson today.

What is the situation in Teddington?

Tighter lockdown restrictions were enforced in Bolton yesterday however this is unlikely to take place in our area anytime soon.

The average UK coronavirus rate is 14 per 100,000 people - and this is exactly the rate in the borough of Richmond.

For comparison the rate in seriously affected Bolton is 128 cases per 100,000.

While new restrictions are certainly not on the cards in Teddington, let's all remain vigilant with face mask wearing and social distancing so that does not change.