A tightening in restrictions and increased punishments has been announced by the Government to quash rising number of Coronavirus cases.
The government has set out a series of measures that to help reduce the rate of transmission:
- Workers should work from home, when possible. If this is not possible such as with construction and hospitality, staff should still attend their places of work as usual. This takes effect immediately.
- From 24th September, pubs, bars and restaurants can only operate via table service, apart from takeaways, and must close by 10pm, although deliveries can take place later.
- All taxi and minicab passengers must wear masks, as must all retail and hospitality staff, and hospitality customers except when they are seated to eat or drink. Businesses that breach the rules could be fined or closed down.
- Some exceptions to the “rule of six” social distancing regulations will be tightened up. From Monday, weddings and wedding receptions will be limited to 15 people, although funerals can still have 30.
- Adult indoor team sports will no longer be allowed.
- Plans to trial limited live audiences next month, for example at sports events, are being put on hold.
- There will be stricter enforcement of the rules, with extra funding available for police and local authorities. Individual fines for first-time breaches will double to £200.
Responding to new national restrictions BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“Businesses understand that further restrictions are necessary to tackle the rising number of Coronavirus cases, but these measures will impact business and consumer confidence at a delicate time for the economy.
“Businesses, their employees and customers need to see a clear road map for the existing restrictions and those that may be introduced in the future. This must include transparent trigger points, and clarity about the support available to protect jobs and livelihoods.”
“The government should waste no time in setting out a comprehensive support package for firms forced to close or reduce capacity through no fault of their own.”
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