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.

Here is how the rules affect us in Godalming.

The new rules

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

Previously this number was set at 30.

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 in a restaurant.

What are the exemptions?

The new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals or 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 Waverley?

As of Monday, Waverley has had 5,265 confirmed cases in Surrey, and 527 confirmed cases in Waverley.

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

While new restrictions are certainly not on the cards in Godalming, there is still a need to remain vigilant, wearing face masks, continuing to wash our hands frequently and social distancing to help avoid a rise in the figures and the possible introduction of a local lockdown.