A new national lockdown has been announced by Boris Johnson.
The Prime Minister revealed the latest step in tackling coronavirus during a televised address on Monday (January 4).
The public will again be asked to stay at home and only leave for essential reasons, non-essential businesses and venues must close and the majority of school pupils will move to remote learning.
Mr Johnson suggested England could "steadily" move out of lockdown from mid-February but remained cautious as the new variant - which is 50% to 70% more transmissible - was spreading in a "frustrating and alarming" manner.
The latest news will again force changes to plans people have made to get married, in at least the first few months of the year, and funerals must again follow strict protocol.
The government guidance says that weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals are allowed with strict limits on attendance, and must only take place in COVID-19 secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to six people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits.
Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place with up to six people and should only take place in exceptional circumstances.
This includes, for example, an urgent marriage where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery.
You can also still attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
