Boris Johnson has announced a number of new rules amid a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.
The Prime Minister spoke to MPs in Parliament this afternoon unveiling a number of changes and warned the public to expect the measures to last at least six months.
Announcing the new restrictions this afternoon, Mr Johnson said the UK has reached a “perilous turning point” in its fight against the virus. He warned we must take serious action now to avoid graver consequences later on.
The new measures include:
- Pubs, bars and restaurants to close by 10pm BST. They will also be restricted to table service only. Table bookings of more than six are not allowed and groups will not be allowed to mingle
- People have been advised to work from home wherever possible
- Face masks are now compulsory for bar staff and non-seated customers, shop workers and waiters
- Limit on guests at weddings reduced from 30 to 15
- Plans to allow fans to return to sporting events paused
- “Rule of six” now applies to indoor team sports, which means adults will only be able to play organised indoor sports in groups of six or less
- Fines for not wearing masks or following rules increased to £200 for first offence
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer supported the new restrictions, saying Mr Johnson was “right” to implement further measures to curb the spread of the virus.