The UK has reached “a perilous turning point”, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as he set out a raft of new coronavirus restrictions for England which could last for up to six months. Shop staff will have to wear face masks and weddings will be limited to a maximum of 15 people, under new rules. Penalties for breaking laws on gatherings, wearing masks and for businesses will increase. He also warned “significantly greater restrictions” could come if necessary. Following a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee this morning with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Mr Johnson said “similar steps” would be taken across the UK. “We always knew that while we might have driven the virus into retreat, the prospect of a second wave was real. I’m sorry to say that, as in Spain and France and many other countries, we’ve reached a perilous turning point,” he said. Mr Johnson told the House of Commons he would provide police and local authorities with extra funding to enforce the regulations and the option to draw on military support.
Covid restrictions: PM sets out new hospitality and face covering rules – BBC News
