Today's COVID-19 Briefing

Today (Tuesday 22nd September), the Prime Minister delivered a COVID-19 briefing, outlining the new measures and restrictions in place from Thursday 24 September to suppress the virus and its spread. The salient points are as follows:

• Office workers who can work from home are urged to 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.
• All pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for takeaways.
• Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm (must CLOSE at 10pm and not just calling for last orders).
• Takeaways must also close at 10pm although deliveries can continue thereafter.
• The requirement to wear face coverings has been extended to 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, the COVID-secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.
• From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral as of now.
• The rule of six have been extended to all adult indoor team sports.
• The spread of the virus is now affecting the ability to reopen business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events so this will not resume from 1 October as previously planned.
• Rules will be enforced by tighter penalties; a fine of up to £10,000 will apply for those who fail to self-isolate and such fines will now be applied to businesses breaking COVID rules. The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.
• We should assume that the restrictions announced will remain in place for perhaps six months.

Read the full statement here.