Everything leader of Northampton Borough Council said about any big parties planned for this weekend

The leader of Northampton Borough Council has urged anyone planning a big party this weekend before stricter coronavirus restrictions come into place to cancel it.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday (September 9) that people can only meet in groups of six from Monday (September 14), whereas prior to these rules gatherings of up to 30 have been allowed in certain spaces.

As the new rules do not come into play until Monday, the current rules are in place for another three days, including this weekend.

But the local council leader says it is the right thing to do to follow the ‘rule of six’ now and that we should not wait to put that rule into practice.

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, who was speaking at the weekly Northamptonshire Covid-19 press briefing, said: “It is just not a good idea.

“The rules might not come in until Monday, but the virus has not been advised so the virus will be just as much harm to you over this weekend at a party.

“We’ve seen just about everything in our lives called off, if you have organised a party for this weekend of 20 people or whatever, I think you have probably done it knowing in the back of your mind that you’re on the edge of what is good practice.

“We know what we are supposed to have been doing.

“It’s a real shame, I have huge sympathy for people who have perhaps got something very special to celebrate, but you shouldn’t have a party.

“If you’ve got one booked for this weekend and it’s booked in Northampton, my strong advice has to be, for your own good, for the good of your family, change your plans.

“If we now feel this is the right thing to do, and we do, we have got to get on with it straight away, don’t wait until Monday.

“A lot of people could suffer and catch this dreadful virus and pass it onto perhaps more vulnerable people by partying or being in groups over six this weekend.

“From now my strong advice would be groups of six maximum.”

From Monday, police will have the power to disperse groups of more than six.

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