Boris Johnson announces raft of new COVID restrictions...
Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2020 1:58 pm
'We've reached a perilous turning point', says Boris Johnson
The UK has reached "a perilous turning point", Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as he set out a raft of new coronavirus restrictions for England which could last for up to six months.
Shop staff will have to wear face masks and weddings will be limited to a maximum of 15 people, under new rules.
Fines for breaking laws on gatherings and not wearing mask will increase to £200 for a first offence.
He also warned "significantly greater restrictions" could come if necessary.
Under the new measures:
- Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than six will increase to £200 on the first offence
- From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants will be restricted to table service only. Takeaways can continue
- Hospitality venues must close at 22:00 - which means shutting then, not calling for last orders"
- Office workers are being told to work from home if possible
- The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1
- Face coverings must be worn by shop staff, taxi drivers and passengers
- Customers in indoor hospitality venues will also have to wear masks, except when seated at a table to eat or drink
- Exemptions to the "rule of six" will be cut back, meaning indoor team sports such as five-a-side football matches will end.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported "necessary" stricter measures, but added that families were worried "the government doesn't have a strategy".
"One day people were encouraged to work in the office, in fact more than encouraged they were openly challenged by the prime minister for not doing so. Today they're told the opposite," he said.
"This is a time of national crisis but we need clear leadership."
