COVID 19 – What is changing?

Today, at 12:30pm, Boris Johnson announced his plans to reduce the spread of Covid19 in England. Taking to the House Of Commons, he gave a speech to emphasise the changes taking place, as the virus has increased in cases over the last 2 weeks. These changes include the rule of six and penalties for those who do not comply to the new regulations.

The Prime Minister stated that the pandemic has “reached a perilous turning point” climbing to the worst stage possible, going from stage 1 to stage 4. Thereby, this means that restrictions will be becoming firmer, and penalties will be stricter.

P.M: "No way we will return to a full lockdown...”

Working from home is encouraged, especially if you are not part of retail, hospitality or construction, and everyone is to wear masks unless eating – these rules will be taking place from Thursday. If the public do not adhere to wearing masks a fine of £200 will be put in place, this is done to help minimalise the spread of the virus by keeping everyone safe. As well as this, the number of guests allowed at a wedding reception has decreased, now only 15 people are able to attend. This will change from Monday. However, the number of people allowed to attend funerals remains at 30.

Other points made were: education facilities are to remain open, all areas of the hospitality sector are to close at 10pm unless there are delivery services, only 6 people are to meet for social interaction (rule of 6), and local lockdowns will still be taking place. These new restrictions will be enforced for 6 months, but the PM states that there is “no way we will return to a full lockdown” like we saw in March.

Moreover, the focal point is for the public to stay safe, wash hands, observe social distancing, and follow the rules. If we can do that, there is hope for these restrictions to be eased.