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Workers had been encouraged to return to the office amid fears over the economy. But they could soon be told to stay at home again if cases of the virus continue to increase. Senior
Government sources told The Telegraph it will take two weeks to see if the new rule of six has reduced infections. If it has not slashed the number of cases, further restrictions could be
looked at. This comes as the number of people returning to workplaces has been increasing since schools reopened earlier this month. A further 3,395 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the
UK today. The new infections take the overall total since the start of the outbreak to 381,614. The coronavirus death toll in the UK stands at over 41,000. This comes as draconian lockdown
measures are to be imposed on parts of the North East following a spike in infections. The restrictions come into force in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham. READ MORE: SECOND UK CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN ‘ALREADY UNDERWAY’ They should avoid non-essential travel on public transport. And
holidays are only allowed with their own household or support bubble. Anyone who attends amateur or semi-professional sporting events should also stop going. Health Secretary Matt Hancock
told MPs: "The battle against coronavirus is not over. "And while we strain every sinew to spring free of its clutches, with winter on the horizon we must prepare, bolster our
defences, and come together once again against this common foe. "One of our vital lines of defence has been taking targeted action at a local level. "We've seen local action
work well in some parts of the country, and now we must take further action."