New coronavirus measures expected: PM to address nation in TV broadcast

BORIS Johnson could set out new coronavirus measures this week in a TV address to the nation.

The Prime Minister is expected to lay out new measures for pubs, restaurants and public spaces, which are expected to remain in place for the next few months.

He could also set out further measures as part of a winter lockdown.

According to Mirror Online, a Downing Street source described reports about Mr Johnson making a TV address as “speculation”.

But the leader of the Opposition has called for the government to reinstate regular briefings for the media and the public, which were televised daily during the start of lockdown earlier this year. And Mr Johnson is facing growing calls for national action as coronavirus cases rise.

Last night, it was announced that those defying orders to self-isolate could be facing a fine of up to £10,000.

From September 28, under the emergency package announced by the PM, people will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by the test and trace system as having been in contact with an infected person.

Fines will start at £1,000, rising to £10,000 for “egregious” offences and serial offenders.

New laws are expected to be put in place to enforce self-isolation and prevent a second lockdown.

Yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Andrew Marr that the UK was at a “tipping point”.

He said: “We face a choice. If everybody follows the rules – and we’ll be increasingly stringent on the people who are not following the rules – then we can avoid further national lockdowns.

“But we of course have to be prepared to take action if that is what is necessary. I don’t rule it out; I don’t want to see it.”

Nationally, the number of positive cases of Covid-19 recorded in the UK is at 390,358 while the death roll stands at 41,422 (recorded by Department of Health as of September 19).