LAST night's government announcement banning gatherings of over six people could have a significant impact on Crewe businesses gradually emerging from lockdown.

While not entirely a surprise following a sharp rise in new cases of coronavirus infections with over 8,000 recorded since the weekend, it is a blow for many looking to adapt to the 'new normal'.

Here is how the rules will affect us:

Fundamentally, social gatherings of over six people, inside or outside, are illegal - previously this rule was set at thirty.

These rules, which come into force next Monday (September 14), will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply, doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

The rules apply to private homes and parks as well as hospitality venues. So it means you will not be able to book a table of more than six people in a restaurant.

But there are exemptions and the new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

Households and support bubbles bigger than six people are also unaffected.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is delivering a press conference later today when a fuller list of exemptions will be made clear.

Tighter lockdown restrictions were enforced last night in Bolton where Crewe Alex were playing an EFL Trophy game, although elite sports squads are Covid-secure and the game was played behind close doors.

Several Greater Manchester boroughs have already had their own lockdowns as cases rose above the national average. Levels of infection in Cheshire East have risen, but are low in comparison and it is unlikely the area will be considered for a localised lockdown.

Positive Covid tests in Bolton in the week up to September 4 were at least four times higher than the numbers in the Crewe area. But parts of Crewe, Middlewich and Winsford do have higher positive tests than some neighbouring towns like Nantwich, Congleton, Sandbach and Alsager.

While strict restrictions are certainly not on the cards in Crewe the message is remain vigilant with face mask wearing and social distancing at all times.