UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has confirmed that places of worship in England, including mosques, will be allowed to keep their doors open despite groups of six people not being allowed to gather from Monday onwards.
The new rules have been brought in amid a rise in new coronavirus cases and concerns that a second wave of the pandemic will hit the UK in the coming months.
The UK reported another 2,659 coronavirus cases Wednesday, the fourth day running of over 2,000 reported cases.
Speaking in Downing Street, Boris Johnson said the new rules were necessary to prevent a second lockdown.
He said: “This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors. Now you only need to remember the rule of six.
“There will be some limited exemptions. For example, if a single household or support bubble is larger than six, they can still gather. COVID Secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than six people in total. Within those venues however, there must not be individual groups larger than six, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.”
