WORCESTERSHIRE’S theatres will not be forced to shut despite the government tightening restrictions on social gatherings.

On Tuesday night (September 8) the government announced meetings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday, September 14.

Despite this, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed theatres and similar venues will remain open, but will be required to be much more stringent with their coronavirus policies including social distancing and sanitisation.

This means theatres such as the Swan Theatre in Worcester and Malvern Theatres will be able to continue running.

A Malvern Theatres spokesman confirmed the new guidelines would not affect the way they are currently operating as in the cinema and theatres, seats are sold in “bubbles” of 6 people or less.

READ MORE: Social gatherings - what are the new rules?

Each booking or “bubble” is socially distanced from each other, in the same way tables in a restaurant or pub are distanced from each other.

Under the new government guidelines, groups of more than six people from different households must not meet.

New powers have been given to police and councils to enforce fines and other punitive measures for social gatherings.

Work and school settings can remain as normal, and there will be a few scenarios where the restrictions do not apply, such as if your household or support bubble is larger than six people, or if you are gathering in a large group for the sake of work or education.

Weddings, funerals and organised team sports will also be exempt if they are conducted in a Covid-secure way.