Gatherings of more than six people in Hitchin and up and down the country will become illegal from next week under a tightening of restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to hold a press conference this morning to announce the change in policy. The move comes amid fears of a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases.

As we covered last week more new infections have been reported in north Herts - even if the death rate remains low across the country.

However, at the moment, safely organised sports matches, weddings, schools and funerals will be exempt - meaning Hitchin Town's friendlies against Harpenden Town and Barnet will still go ahead at Top Field on Thursday and Saturday.

Social distancing guidelines already advise people not to meet outdoors in groups of more than six people from multiple households - although the law allows for general gatherings of up to 30 people from two households.

This will be tightened from next Monday to make it easier for police to enforce the guidelines and disperse large groups - meaning no large groups are able to meet socially in and around our town, including publics spaces such as Windmill Hill, Bancroft and Butts Close.

The new limit is expected to simplify the current rules as it will apply to a majority of indoor and outdoor gatherings, including private homes, parks, pubs and restaurants.

This means that you cannot sit at a pub or restaurant table with more than five friends at any given time, although it is unclear how many 'bubbles' that group could be a part of.

Full guidance on what can and cannot happen will be issued later.

Mr Johnson told the press ahead of his expected announcement: "We need to act now to stop the virus spreading.

"So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact – making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce."

Why are the new measures being introduced?

The chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, have agreed that the action is needed urgently after the number of positive cases rose steeply.

In a Zoom meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week, police forces said they would like rules on social contact to be simplified.

What will the punishments be for breaking the rules?

The Government hopes the new rules will make it easier for the police to break up large gatherings.

Failure to stick to the new rules could mean a £100 fine, which will double with every subsequent offence up to £3,200.

How can we be socialising safely?

A new campaign has been launched to encourage people to help stop the spread of coronavirus as we are more likely to socialise indoors during the autumn and the winter.

The Hands Face Space campaign urges people to ensure they have washed their hands, used a mask where appropriate and maintain social distancing.

The campaign states that these are the three most effective ways the public can contain the spread of the virus.