This is how much you could be fined for breaking new lockdown rules

Tougher lockdown restrictions are being introduced across the UK, after the Prime Minister warned that the country has reached a “perilous turning point” in its fight against coronavirus.

The number of UK coronavirus cases has now surpassed 400,000, with almost 5,000 additional lab cases confirmed on Tuesday 22 September, and a further 37 deaths.

Measures are to be made stricter across all four nations this week in response to the rising infection rates, including new penalties for breaking the rules.

Here’s everything you need to know about the changes.

What are the fines for breaking the rules?

Boris Johnson has doubled the fines for failing to wear a mask, or for breaking the recently introduced ‘rule of six’, which prevents more than six people meeting in a group, both indoors and outdoors.

The penalty will increase from £100 to £200 for the first offence, with businesses now facing a hefty £10,000 fine for breaching self-isolation rules. Fines of up to £10,000 for people who fail to self-isolate have already been announced.

The Prime Minister also pledged additional funding for the police to help ensure rules are enforced, with the option of military support to reduce the burden.