Pubs, cafes, restaurants and
● First Minister says move is necessary to minimise the risk to most vulnerable with the public urged to stay at home
By
An unprecedented “shutdown” of pubs, cafes, restaurants and gyms has been ordered by the authorities as efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus steps up a gear across the UK.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was needed to drive down the risk of the “most vulnerable” getting the virus and would also see theatres, cinemas and non-essential shops closing down.
The restrictions on all hospitality establishments will be reviewed on a monthly basis, with the public urged to stay at home “as far as possible”.
Any establishments which don’t observe the shutdown will find themselves on the wrong end of new emergency laws being pushed through Parliament to tackle Covid-19, the First Minister warned. It comes amid growing expectations that the “social distancing” directive advising people to stay two metres apart could last for up to a year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the decision to close down pubs and clubs was a “huge wrench” and “heartbreaking”.
The authorities have already been telling the public to avoid pubs, bars and cafes to counteract the spread of Covid-19. The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice,” Mr Johnson said yesterday.
“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.
“And so following agreement with all the devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.
“We’re also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.”
The closures will cover: Food and drink premises (other than those providing takeaway services);
Pubs, clubs and other drinking establishments;
Cinemas, theatres, and bingo and concert halls;
Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours; Casinos and betting shops; Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools.
Ms Sturgeon said the measure had been introduced in light of new scientific advice that indicates the spread of the virus is accelerating.
“I know how difficult this is, but it is vital to reduce our risk of getting the virus and to reduce the risk of infecting those who are most vulnerable of becoming seriously ill or dying,” she said.
“In short it will save lives. It also gives our NHS the best chance of coping.”
The First Minister revealed yesterday the number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the country rose by 56 to 322, but the death toll remained static at six.
The Scottish Government has ordered the closure of schools and Ms Sturgeon issued a stark warning to younger Scots that they should not mix with friends this weekend. Some of the “sacrifices” Scots are being asked to make will become apparent “as we head into the weekend”, she told journalists in a media conference at the Scottish Government’s St Andrew’s House base. The First Minister told younger Scots not to underestimate the gravity of the potential symptoms.
“I do have a concern about younger people who I know will be disappointed not to be able to socialise with their friends over this weekend,” she said.
“I cannot be clearer, do not think this advice just applies to other people and not to you.
“As a young person if you get this virus, there is no absolutely guarantee that you will just have mild symptoms. But even if you have mild symptoms, you still risk passing the infectionontopeoplewhoaremore vulnerable. Please do not take that risk.”
NHS Lothians has ordered that visitor numbers at hospitals in the region will be restricted to two per patient and that this will exclude children.
“The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now”
BORIS JOHNSON
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