Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel has said "mingling" is not allowed under England's new rule of six restrictions and claimed she would call police on neighbours if she believed they were breaking the rules.
"If I saw something that I thought was inappropriate, then quite frankly I would effectively call the police," she told Sky News.
England tightened its lockdown rules from Monday after the daily coronavirus cases in Britain surged from roughly 1,000 to 3,000.
Social gatherings of more than six people in England were outlawed, although there were some exceptions.
On BBC's Today programme, Ms Patel confirmed that people should not stop for a chat in the street or a park if they breach the rule of six.
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England tightened its lockdown rules from Monday after the daily coronavirus cases in Britain surged to around 3,000. Reuters -
Social gatherings of more than six people in England have been outlawed. AFP -
The rule of six restrictions do not apply to schools, workplaces or weddings, funerals or team sports. Reuters -
People dine out in Soho, London. They rules do apply to gatherings in restaurants. PA via AP -
People dine out in Chinatown, London. PA via AP -
People sit in the sunshine in Kings Cross in London, Britain. EPA -
A commuter walks across London Bridge toward the City of London. AFP -
Commuters walk across London Bridge toward the City of London. AFP -
People peddle boats in the sunshine at Alexandra Palace in London, Britain. EPA -
A woman waits in a bus stop in Solihull, central England. AFP -
A poster is seen on a door requiring to wear a mask in Tenby, Wales. Reuters -
People stand on the pavement to socialise in the West End of Glasgow. AFP -
People sit in the sunshine in Kings Cross in London, Britain. EPA -
People sit in the sunshine in Kings Cross in London, Britain. EPA -
People walk past a sign encouraging social distance in a shopping street in Solihull, central England. AFP
She confirmed that mingling would be illegal and that two families of four meeting risked falling foul of it.
She said: “Mingling has been banned. Mingling is people coming together. You have to put this in the context of coronavirus, wearing masks, keeping distance.
"The rule of six is about making sure people are being conscientious and not putting other people's health at risk. People can exercise their own judgment.
"Coronavirus is increasing, and it's right we do everything we can to protect public health."
She said reporting offenders was a public health priority rather than being the neighbourhood snitch.
"It may be perceived through that lens, but police have always had the power. I don't think this is about reporting a neighbour. It's about non-compliance. The fact of the matter is we all have to take personal responsibility," Ms Patel said.
"If I saw inappropriate behaviour and people behaving irresponsible way or in an area that was not Covid-compliant then it would be right to report that."
The rule of six restrictions do not apply to schools, workplaces or weddings, funerals or team sports that are abiding by the government's Covid-19 guidelines.
They do, however, apply to gatherings in venues such as pubs and restaurants.
Under the new rules, the legal limit at which police can disperse gatherings was revised down from 30 to six people.
Anna Soubry, a former Conservative Party MP and barrister, said the policy risked alienating the public.
