Prime Minister Boris Johnson has laid out the new regulations the Government will impose to stop the spread of coronavirus.
He told the House of Commons in a statement this lunchtime that we have reached a perilous turning point as scientific advisers said yesterday that without action, thousands more people could be infected with COVID-19.
He said schools and colleges will remain open and businesses can stay open in a “COVID-19 compliant way”.
He said it was likely they would be in place for six months, although were subject to change.
He said:
- From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants need to close at 10pm.
- All venues must deploy table service, other than for takeaways.
- Staff in the hospitality and retail trade will have to wear facemasks.
- People have been urged to work from home if they can.
- Passengers will have to wear face coverings in taxis and minicabs.
- Businesses will be fined £10,000 and could be forced to close if they do not comply with the rules.
- The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking rule of six will double to £200.
- A maximum of 15 people can attend weddings, although up to 30 can still attend funerals
- Plans for trials to have the public return to sporting events and conference centres have been paused.
