The Prime Minister has today (22 September) announced a further series of Covid-19 restrictions. The government is attempting to balance saving lives with protecting jobs and livelihoods and expects that these restrictions may be in place for 6 months.
Here is a brief summary of the 5 restrictions announced by Mr Johnson today.
- Office workers who can work from home are asked to do so. In key public services and where home working is not possible, people should continue to go to work.
- From Thursday 24 September, all pubs bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways. All hospitality venues must close at 10.00pm. (This is closing and not calling for last orders at 10.00pm).
- The requirement to wear face coverings has been extended to include staff in retail, all users of taxis & private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
- In the retail, leisure and tourism sectors, the government’s Covid Secure guidelines will become legal obligations.
- The Rule of 6 will be tightened and extended. From Monday only 15 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, although 30 can still attend a funeral. The Rule of 6 will also be extended to all adult indoor team sports. Plans to open up business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events from 1st October will be put on hold.
Wayne Thomas, partner at Bates Weston comments:
“The restrictions are likely to put further pressure on the hospitality sector, on high streets and town centres, and on businesses and families. Calls are strengthening for further government support and a replacement for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. To date the government has not heeded such calls, preferring to focus on allowing a significant proportion of the economy to continue to operate.”