Police in UK to enforce mask rules... as Johnson warns he may have to tighten curbs
MASKS and face coverings will have to be worn in British cinemas, galleries and museums – and the police will be drafted in to enforce the rules, Boris Johnson announced yesterday.
The British prime minister also unveiled a new ‘hands, face and space’ mantra to remind the public to wash their hands, wear a mask and observe social distancing.
But in a stark warning, Mr Johnson
Some are simply ignoring guidelines
said further restrictions would have to be imposed on meeting with friends and family if infection rates rise further in Britain.
Currently Britons are only allowed to meet up indoors with one other household, including at pubs and restaurants, and in outside areas with a maximum of six people from different households.
These rules were tightened further on Thursday night across a swathe of northern England – and
Mr Johnson’s warning appeared to suggest he is prepared to crack down nationwide. He said: ‘At this stage, we are not changing the rules on social contact nationally. I don’t want to tell people to spend less time with their friends.
‘But unless people follow the rules and behave safely, we may need to go further.’
The new rules on masks will come into force next Saturday and they will apply to churches and other places of worship, museums, galleries and cinemas.
They have been mandatory in shops and takeaways since last Friday and on public transport since June 15.
But some customers are simply ignoring the guidelines, particularly in shops where checkout assistants aren’t obliged to wear coverings themselves.
Mr Johnson promised yesterday the police would be playing a much bigger role in enforcing the rules, as well as breaking up large gatherings.
He said: ‘Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their best to control the virus. But we must keep our discipline and our focus and we cannot be complacent.
‘I have asked the home secretary to work with the police and others to ensure the rules which are already in place are properly enforced.
‘That means local authorities acting to close down premises and cancel events which are not following Covid-secure guidance.
‘And, it means a greater police presence to ensure face coverings are being worn where this is required.’
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said: ‘We know the vast majority of the public will comply as the rules for where face coverings must be worn is broadened.
‘Where people are not wearing coverings we expect the owner of the premises or local authority to advise and act.
He said: ‘Where we are called to assist, as we have done throughout this pandemic, we will offer guidance in the first instance, but will use enforcement if necessary.’