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The home secretary said families who stopped talking on the street would violate the six-pronged rule.

Preity Patel told the BBC that the two families of four who had stopped for a chat on the way to the park had “absolutely merged”.

He said he would report to neighbors if the rules were broken.

The rules restrict indoor and outdoor gatherings to indoor groups in England and Scotland and Wales.

The new move means police can dismantle more than six groups, with people fined £ 3,200 if they break the rules.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Ms Patel said the two families of four who stopped for a chat on the way to the park were “absolutely merged”.

“You can leave it in the context of wearing a mask, maintaining coronavirus and distance,” he said.

“The rule of six is ​​to ensure that people are being conscientious and not endangering the health of others.”

The Home Secretary added: “Mixing is where people come together. That is my definition of mixing.”

When asked if they would ask police if their neighbors violated the new coronavirus rule, Ms Patel told the BBC morning: “I don’t spend my time exploring human parks.”

With further pressure on the subject, he said that anyone would want to take “responsibility” to prevent the spread of the virus, adding that if he saw a gathering of more than six people, “obviously I would report it.”

Peeling’s remarks echoed the response of Policing Minister Kit Malthhouse, who suggested that people call the emergency number 101 if they have concerns about whether they are breaking the law.

The national chairmen of the English and Wales Police Federations called for direction to implement the measures.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain, John Appter said first-line police officers were trying to “explain” the rules and were being interrogated to “snatch at neighbors” (people).

He added: “Perhaps we should have direction, because we have no arrangements yet.”

Official guidelines include exemptions for physical activity that can be done in more than six groups such as football, hockey and netball, as well as boating, angling and polo.

Shooting – including hunting and paintballs that require a shotgun or firearms license – is also discounted as an organized sport.

Earlier, Ms Patel defended government records on the test, following widespread reports of people fighting for suicide.

He told the BBC breakfast that the government had “the power to extend” where needed.

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“Obviously there is a lot more work to be done with Public Health England and actual public health agencies in that particular local area, and obviously as a government we work with Public Health England where there is a demand in the local hotspot area.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the system was facing a “huge challenge” after a “sharp rise” in people seeking a test. He said it would take “a few weeks” to resolve the issues.