PM speeds up pace of lockdown easing
Green light for wedding receptions, facials and indoor performances as infections start to level off
Boris Johnson has accelerated the easing of lockdown as he announced that plans for wedding receptions, sporting events and indoor performances would resume. Casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks will be able to reopen from Saturday, and beauty salons, tattoo studios and spas will be able to offer all close “services and treatments”. However, the Prime Minister also introduced tougher fines of up to £3,200 for repeatedly failing to wear face masks in public places.
‘At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy relies on continued progress’
BORIS JOHNSON has accelerated the easing of lockdown as he announced that plans for wedding receptions, sporting events and indoor performances would resume.
The Prime Minister said the changes would allow people to “get back to more of the things they have missed” during the pandemic after rising infection rates appeared to have “levelled off ”.
Wedding receptions of up to 30 people will now be allowed from Saturday, as will the reopening of casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks.
Beauty salons, tattoo studios and spas will be able to offer all close “services and treatments” such as facials. However, Mr Johnson also introduced tougher penalties for repeatedly failing to wear face masks in public places.
Fines will double each time someone is found in breach of the rules, up to a maximum of £3,200. Hairdressers will also now be required to wear surgical face masks. Mr Johnson had postponed the latest lockdown easing, which was meant to come in on Aug 1, amid concerns over a second wave of coronavirus. Last night he said he “will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus”.
He added: “At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.”
It came as Oldham was last night on the brink of becoming the latest area to be placed into a full lockdown, as the Government considered shutting down bars, restaurants and gyms in the Greater Manchester borough. The Government has been consulting about potential new restrictions with the local council and an announcement on whether to implement further measures is expected today.
Oldham now has the highest sevenday coronavirus infection rate in the country, with 108.8 cases per 100,000 people. Mr Johnson also announced that people hosting an illegal rave or gathering of more than 30 people would be issued spot fines. Government sources last night said these could be up to £10,000.
Last weekend, West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves, and closed a pub, to stop illegal gatherings and anti-social behaviour.
Face coverings are mandatory for most people in shops and supermarkets, and on public transport. The rules also cover buying takeaways.
From last week they have also been required in museums, galleries and places of worship. Anyone failing to wear a face covering while shopping has been subject to a fine of up to £100, or £50 if paid within 14 days. All the measures that were put on hold two weeks ago by the Prime Minister will now be reinstated from tomorrow.
Plans to start indoor performances with socially distanced audiences and pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will also resume. This weekend’s final of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield will be the first pilot event.
Allowing spectators at sporting events is planned for Oct 1. Pilots at Goodwood races, the world snooker final and county cricket games earlier this month were suspended after Mr Johnson put the brakes on easing measures. In addition, indoor play and soft play centres will reopen.