Social gatherings of more than six people are to be banned in England in an effort to curb a steep rise in coronavirus cases. The restrictions will come in from Monday and be backed by law - breaches could result in a fine of £100, doubling on each repeat offence up to £3,200. Guidelines actually already limit most outdoor gatherings to six people, but until now the police have had no powers to stop them unless they exceeded 30. 

The new rules will apply both indoors and outdoors, although there will be exceptions. They won't apply to schools, workplaces, weddings, funerals and organised team sports as long as Covid-secure guidance is followed. If your household or support bubble is larger than six you'll also be exempt. Boris Johnson will give more details at a news conference later, but here's all we have right now. Don't forget - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regulations.

Ministers and health advisers believe the country is at a critical moment and more action will be taken if these steps aren't enough. The average rate of new infections is now four times higher than it was in mid-July - clearly a cause for concern. However, it's important to look closely at the numbers - here are five reasons why the rise isn't straightforward.

Persuading people to again comply fastidiously with the rules won't be an easy task though, as our political editor points out, especially after they've enjoyed a taste of freedom in recent weeks.

A major trial of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca has been temporarily halted  after a volunteer taking part in the UK fell ill. The outcome of vaccine trials is being closely watched around the world and hopes for this one are high. An independent investigation will review the safety data before regulators decide whether it can restart. Our medical editor, Fergus Walsh, says such events are routine and happen any time a volunteer is admitted to hospital when the cause of their illness is not immediately apparent. This is actually the second time the Oxford trial has been put on hold.

How close are we to having a vaccine for coronavirus? And when we do have one, how will we deliver it to seven billion people worldwide?

Decades of policies to fight child obesity have had limited success, according to a report, and new initiatives could also fall short. Policies like the sugar tax on fizzy drinks haven't been fully evaluated to see what impact they've had, the National Audit Office says, and other measures, like a suggested ban on energy drink sales to under 16s, haven't materialised. In particular, the NAO points out, children from deprived areas or ethnic minorities are far more likely to be obese, yet few interventions specifically address that. 

Britain has one of the highest child obesity rates in Western Europe and the problem is escalating. The government insists it's taking bold action, with measures, including a ban on junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed, announced in July.

Most lead on the ban on gatherings of more than six people in England. The Daily Mail describes the change as "the first reversal of the easing of national lockdown". The Daily Telegraph reports that ministers are also considering imposing a "national curfew". The government is seeking to emulate the approach of Belgium, according to the Times, which has banned people from going out overnight. The Daily Mirror says the government is "calling time on us enjoying ourselves", as it battles to get a grip on Covid-19. The Daily Express reports that a "massive media blitz" will be launched to encourage behaviour change, with the slogan "hands - space - face". Elsewhere, the Financial Times believes Boris Johnson could be facing a "serious rebellion" within his party following the admission that the proposed changes to the Brexit withdrawal agreement would break international law. The Guardian calls into question the futures of the justice secretary and the attorney general, given both have taken oaths to uphold the rule of law.

To help maintain his wellbeing during lockdown, photographer Tim Boddy turned to a natural process to create beautiful prints of flowers and leaves, known as anthotypes. See what he created. Elsewhere, how has the return of a train service after more than 40 years affected one small Scottish village? And finally, video game Fall Guys has had millions of downloads, but even fluffy obstacle courses can't make everyone happy. Find out what's getting some players angry.

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