New rules ‘could last six months’
BORIS JOHNSON warned new coronavirus restrictions could last six months, with office staff working from home, the wider use of face masks and a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants.
He said that the new curbs could continue well beyond Christmas and New Year “unless we palpably make progress” in controlling the spread of the virus.
The Prime Minister also announced tougher enforcement measures, with businesses facing fines or closure for failing to comply with rules, and people facing £200 penalties for failing to wear masks where required or breaching the “rule of six”.
The military could be brought in to free up police officers to tackle coronavirus rule-breakers, the Prime Minister said.
He set out measures for England in the House of Commons, but stressed that all parts of the UK were united in the need for decisive action to prevent the virus getting out of control.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon went further, imposing a ban on household visits from today. And she suggested the tougher measures may mean they do not have to be in place as long as restrictions in England. Mr Johnson said the UK had now reached “a perilous turning point” in the face of a second wave of Covid-19 cases.
The measures being introduced in England over the coming days include:
Asking office workers who can, to work from home, although construction workers, retail staff and people performing essential services should continue to attend their workplaces.
From tomorrow, pubs, bars and restaurants will be table-service only and hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues will be subject to a 10pm closing time. Takeaways will close from 10pm to 5am, although they will be allowed to deliver.
Face coverings will be required for taxi passengers from today and for retail staff and hospitality customers, except when sitting down eating or drinking, from tomorrow.
Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations for retail, leisure and tourism firms, with businesses facing the risk of fines or closure for failing to comply.
From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions.
From tomorrow the rule of six will be extended to cover indoor team sports.
Plans to allow business conferences and crowds at sporting events from October 1 have been shelved.
Setting out tougher penalties for those who “brazenly defy” the restrictions, Mr Johnson said £10,000 fines would be applied to businesses breaking the rules. The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence.
The police could be given military support to enable them to focus on coronavirus cases, with troops performing office roles or guarding sensitive sites.