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Covid-19: North East households mixing ban 'confusing'
Sep 29, 2020
The government is creating "doubt and uncertainty" over new laws that leave people in north-east England facing fines for mixing in any indoor setting.
People who break the law, which comes into force on Wednesday because of a spike in Covid-19 cases, face a maximum £6,400 fine.
Mixing between households in any indoor setting, including pub, is banned.
But Newcastle City Council's leader said a lack of detail has led people to spread "half truths and myths".
"I'm not disputing that they need to act quickly but one of the things that undermines this, is the principle of community consent," said Nick Forbes.
"The sense that we're all collectively buying into these measures because we can see that they protect us all - is if there's a gap between what's announced in headlines and the details that people can understand.
"What that does is sow confusion, it creates doubt, it creates uncertainty."
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Households in the region had already been advised to avoid mixing but the new ban will be enforced with the fines.
Those aged over 18 taking part in an illegal gathering could be fined £200 for their first offence, which would be halved if paid within 14 days.
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