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Coronavirus news: Boris Johnson urges public to abide by new Covid rules through ‘unquestionably difficult’ winter

Follow all the latest updates and statistics on the pandemic

Chiara Giordano,Andy Gregory,Chris Baynes
Tuesday 22 September 2020 19:01 EDT
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Boris Johnson warns of more coronavirus restrictions if public don't follow new rules

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In a televised address following the announcement of new rules including early pub curfews and stricter face mask requirements, Mr Johnson warned further restrictions would follow if the public flouted the rules and claimed the government would “use the army if necessary” to enforce the laws.

Read more:

The new rules for travelling abroad

Why is 10pm the magic time for a pub curfew?

What are the new places you need to wear a face mask in England?

Prime minister Boris Johnson has told MPs coronavirus cases have almost quadrupled to 3,929 quadrupled a day, while daily hospital admissions in England have doubled in the last fortnight.

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:41

PM announces raft of new measures

Boris Johnson has announced a raft of new measures for England in the Commons.

He stressed the government is “not issuing a general instruction to stay home”.

The measures include:

- Office workers who can work from home are asked to do so. In key public services and all professions where home working is not possible people should continue to attend their work places.  

- From Thursday all pubs bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways.  Together with all hospitality venues they must close at 10pm. The same will apply to takeaways, though deliveries can continue.  

- Face masks must be worn by retail staff, taxi and private hire users, and staff and customers in hospitality venues except for when eating or drinking .

- Covid secure guidelines will become legal obligations – businesses will be fined if they break them.

- A maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions from Monday, but up to 30 can attend funerals.

- Fine for first time offence breaking face mask and rule of six will double to £200

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:48

New face mask rules

Workers in retail and hospitality and passengers in taxis are to be required to wear face-coverings, prime minister Boris Johnson has told the House of Commons.

Retail workers and taxi passengers must wear face masks under new restrictions

Face-coverings mandatory in cabs from Thursday and for shop and pub workers from Monday

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:49

Wedding guests to be cut from 30 to 15

Boris Johnson has announced a tightening of regulations for weddings, restricting the number of guests from 30 to just 15 people.

In a Commons statement, the prime minister unveiled the stricter rules for ceremonies in England, which are currently exempt from the “rule of six” law introduced a fortnight ago.

Funeral ceremonies, however, Mr Johnson added will still be permitted to allow 30 guests.

Number of wedding attendees to be cut from 30 to 15 in England

PM says country faces ‘perilous turning point’ with the number of Covid-19 cases surging across the UK 

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:51

Indoor sport banned in England

Indoor team sport is being banned in England again as coronavirus restrictions are tightened following the surge in infections.

Activities including five-a-side football will no longer be allowed from Thursday – as the exemption under the ‘rule of six’ law is removed, Boris Johnson announced.

Indoor team sport banned as Boris Johnson tightens restrictions in England

The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent.

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:53

New restrictions could last for six months

New restrictions including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants could remain in place for six months as the UK battles coronavirus, prime minister Boris Johnson has said.

New coronavirus restrictions could last for six months, Boris Johnson says

The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent.

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 12:55

My colleague Sabrina Barr has put together this guide explaining what the new 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants in England will look like:

What will a 10pm curfew actually look like?

On Tuesday 22 September, Boris Johnson delivered a televised address about new restrictions in England

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 13:11

What are the new rules for wedding ceremonies and receptions in England?

How many people are allowed to attend weddings in England?

On Tuesday 22 September, Boris Johnson announced new restrictions in England

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 13:21

Where exactly should you be wearing a face mask?

New rules on face coverings have been announced, increasing the number of places in England where it is mandatory to wear a covering or face a penalty fine of £200 for a first-time offence.

So, where exactly should you be wearing a face mask? Here is everything you need to know:

What are the new places you need to wear a face mask in England?

Confused about when to wear a face mask? Here’s everything you need to know

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 13:26

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has asked Boris Johnson to extend the furlough scheme to save jobs.

Chiara Giordano22 September 2020 13:29

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