Prime minister Boris Johnson has addressed parliament this afternoon to announce tougher restrictions to combat the transmission of coronavirus.
The address comes one day after warnings from Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Chris Whitty that we must change course due to a recent rise in cases. The coronavirus alert level was yesterday upgraded to 4, meaning that the virus is in general circulation and transmission is high or rising exponentially.
The main message from the prime minister today is that this is not a return to a national lockdown, but that actions are required to curb the number of daily infections.
WORK FROM HOME
One such action is that employees who can work from home should do so. However if the business requires employees to attend work, or it is beneficial for their mental health to do so, they should return only if the workplace is COVID secure.
HOSPITALITY
From this Thursday, all pubs, bars, restaurants and takeaways in England must close at 10pm. Takeaway deliveries can continue thereafter.
For pubs, bars and restaurants, only table service will be permitted.
Staff in hospitality and retail will now need to wear face coverings.
Police can issue fines and make arrests for anyone breaking social distancing in pubs and restaurants.
COVID secure guidelines are to become legal obligations in retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors.
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