PM Boris Johnson has outlined a raft of changes to lockdown measures which will affect Hitchin and the rest of the country - which could include Covid-secure 'marshals' on our streets.

Speaking from the Downing Street lecturn on Wednesday afternoon Johnson introduced the 'rule of six' which will be introduced in England.

This means people in our town and beyond will not permitted to meet in groups of more than six.

He confirmed that from Monday, the law will be changed - with 'tough enforcement' that will prevent people from meeting in groups of more than six, down from 30, with those breaking the rules facing dispersal, fines and the threat of arrest.

This could mean that grandparents could be fined for breaking the rules in meeting grandchildren and loved ones.

However, there are exceptions: If a household or support group is bigger than six, it can still meet.

Gatherings such as church services can go ahead - but people have to socially distance, and definitely not meet in groups of more than six.

While he said work and school are unaffected, as is organised sport, weddings and funerals - Johnson did reveal the government will revise plans to pilot larger audiences and review stadium plans - which could affect Hitchin Town FC's plans to allow fans to re-enter Top Field.

Johnson also added he wanted Covid-free passes to be available for people by spring 2021 to allow mass events to resume.

The PM also said testing capacity will grow - so people should only to book a test if they have coronavirus symptoms. If you don't and you haven't been asked to book a test, please don't, he added.

With Hitchin renowned as a town full of independent restaurants and shops, Johnson outlined hospitality businesses - in our town, and up and down the country - will be forced to collect the contact details of patrons, with those who refuse facing Covid-secure fines.

Johnson also revealed there could be Covid-secure 'marshals' to police and patrol people and areas - which could see them on Hitchin streets - but the PM did not give further details.

Some premises will also have their opening hours restricted.

"These measures are not another national lockdown," he added, saying: "The whole point of them is to avoid a second national lockdown."

Johnson also made a plea to students going back to university to follow the rules to keep others safe.

Speaking to the country he pleaded 'we are not there yet' - on vaccines and treatments - but he underlined that the government is working on an alternative plan.

Johnson also said the government has been working extremely hard to increase capacity to 500,000 tests every day.

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