As many of you will know, the Prime Minister has set out further measures that will be taken to tackle coronavirus.
No one underestimates the challenges that the new measures will pose to individuals and businesses. However, as the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser said, we are at a critical point in the pandemic. Furthermore, a tough set of decisions has been made to take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and to protect the NHS.
Today, the Prime Minister has announced that:
• Office workers who can work from home should do so. In key public services – and in all professions where homeworking is not possible, such as construction or retail – people should continue to attend their workplaces.
• From Thursday all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for take-aways and together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm. Please note, this means closing, not calling for last orders. The same will apply to takeaways - though deliveries can continue thereafter.
• The requirement to wear face coverings is extended. This will include staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
•In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.
• The rule of six has been extended to all adult indoor team sports.
• From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. However, up to 30 can still attend a funeral.
• The spread of the virus is now affecting the ability to reopen business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events so we will not be able to do this from 1 October. The implications of this for our sports clubs, the life and soul of our communities is acknowledged, and the Chancellor and Culture Secretary are working urgently on how we can support them.
• Finally, this is not a return to the full lock-down in March. The Government will try to ensure that schools, colleges and universities stay open - because nothing is more important than the education, health and well-being of our young people. They will also try to ensure that businesses can stay open in a Covid-compliant way.