Prime minister sets out new COVID-19 restrictions
Today Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out new restrictions which could be in place for six months saying the UK was at a “perilous turning point.”
These will include a return to home working, bans on indoor sports teams and cutting the size of wedding celebrations to 15 guests.
Tomorrow (23 September) will be exactly six months since he told the nation to stay at home.
Today’s announcement comes at a time when the UK recorded 4,926 new coronavirus cases – the highest daily figure since early May
Mr Johnson told MPs: “…After six months of restrictions, it would be tempting to hope the threat has faded and seek comfort in the belief that if you have avoided the virus so far then you are somehow immune.
“That sort of complacency could be our undoing. if we fail to act together now, we not only put others at risk but jeopardise our own futures with the more drastic action that we will inevitably be forced to take…”
From 14 September the rule of six was introduced for socialising – and venues will be now required by law to enforce this and social distancing.
Here are the main points which will come into force next week:
- Office workers should work from home if they can.
- Pubs, bars and restaurants in England will be ordered to close by 10pm each night. Takeaway collections will also be closed.
- The hospitality sector will be restricted to table service only.
- Face coverings must be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles, and by retail staff while at work.
- Customers in indoor hospitality will also have to wear face coverings – except while seated at a table to eat or drink.
- Exemptions to the rule of six will be reduced, banning indoor team sport – such as indoor five-a-side football matches.
- The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1.
- Wedding ceremonies and receptions will be capped at 15 people from Monday – although funerals will still be able to have 30.
For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
