With the news that 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 PM Boris Johnson is expected to speak at 4pm to outlines the changes.

PM Johnson and his advisors are set to give an update from Downing Street following fears of a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases following more than 8,000 cases reported across the country since the weekend.

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

Read our Hitchin Nub News Live Blog on the latest developments and how they will affect Hitchin and its surrounding areas.

3:54pm: There is a tension between the government wanting us to go back to work - but at the same time we've seen a rise in infections. What can be done? What do you think should be done? Tweet us @HitchinNubNews or leave a comment on our Facebook page

3.59pm: The PM is expected back at the Downing Street lectern with top scientific advisers, once again, urging the population to take care.

4pm We should stress the PM won't be announcing the start of another national lockdown but we can expect for him underline the need for the public to follow existing guidelines - such as being careful about social distancing, self-isolating and washing your hands - but there will be more too....

4.02pm PM Boris Johnson arrives for the briefing as he announces in his opening remarks that the update will be on coronavirus as 'we enter autumn and winter'

4.03pm He now hands over to chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, to go through the data...

4.07pm Prof Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer talks of 'rapid upticks' in cases among 10-19-year-olds

4.08pm Prof Chris Whitty says cases have risen 'really quite sharply' among certain age groups.

4.09pm Whitty says organised action is required, explaining if the UK follows France and Spain, cases will continue to rise. But Belgium contained its rising numbers.

4.10pm PM Johnson speaks

The PM starts by underling the importance of washing hands and social distancing while also urging people only to get a test if they need to. He adds the government is 'simplifying and strengthening' the rules because people have complained they are 'too complicated'

To summarise what Johnson says:

From Monday the "rule of six" will be introduced in England. People are not permitted to meet in groups of more than six - this will replace current guidance. You only need to remember the rule of six, he explains again.

However, there are exceptions: If a household or support gather 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.

And work and school are unaffected, as is organised sport, weddings and funerals.

Johnson says he knows this is difficult. But he underlines that as PM he has to do what is necessary to keep people safe.

He also says 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 begs.

He confirms that from Monday, the law will be changed to ban people from meeting in groups of more than six - coming down from 30.

Those who break the rules can be dispersed, fined and arrested.

The hospitality businesses will be forced to collect the contact details of patrons - with those who refuse to or are not Covid-secure facing fines.

Johnson also revealed there will be Covid-secure 'marshals' to police and patrol areas.

Some premises will also have their opening hours restricted, he adds.

He also reveals the government will revise plans to pilot larger audiences and review stadium plans.

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

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

Johnson adds he wants Covid-free passes to be available for people by spring 2021 to allow mass events to resume. He says 'we are not there yet' - on vaccines and treatments - but he underlines the government is working on an alternative plan.

Johnson says government is working extremely hard to increase capacity to 500,000 tests every day - however he wants to use testing to identify people who are negative, so they can behave in a 'normal' way.