Boris Johnson lockdown speech: PM warns of ‘perilous turning point’ as reveals 10pm curfew& Brits to work from home

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BORIS Johnson is telling the nation he will slap a 10pm curfew on pubs and Brits should work from home if they can in his latest bid to curb coronavirus.

In a live address in the House of Commons, the PM told MPs that hospital admissions have more than doubled in the last fortnight – and Britain has reached a “perilous turning point” like in France and Spain.

The PM holding his top team together before a COBRA meeting

He is warning the virus is getting worse across the country, and extra measures need to be put in place now to avoid another national lockdown.

The number of new cases is growing fastest for people in their 20s, he said today, but its now spreading to other age groups, he said.

And it’s likely to get even worse as Britain goes into winter, he said.

Boris said: “A stitch in time saves nine.

“But this is by no means a return to a full lockdown as in March.

“We are not issuing a general instruction to stay at home.

“We will ensure that schools and universities stay open.

“But we must take action to suppress the disease.”

Ministers want to avoid shutting down shops and offices once again if they can help it.

And schools will be the absolute last thing to close too to try and keep kids’ education on track.

This evening at 8pm he will address the nation with a live TV clip too.

He announced this afternoon:

  • A 10pm curfew for all pubs and hospitality venues will come in from Thursday – where doors will have to be closed
  • And they will have to offer table service only – except for takeaway deliveries
  • Tougher enforcement powers for shutting down venues which don’t force people to stay apart – with extra patrols out too
  • People should work from home if they can – or if their workplace isn’t covid-safe but MPs will stay in Parliament
  • Tougher rules on wearing face masks also could be on the cards – forcing staff in restaurants to put them on
  • Weddings are going to be slashed back from 30 down to 15 – but funerals will stay on the same rules
  • Facemasks will be made compulsory for staff in hospitality and close contact places – and taxis too
  • Team sports will be curbed inside, banning five-aside footie and other games
  • The return to live sport planned for October 1 now will not go ahead
  • Businesses will have a legal requirement to enforce the rule of six
  • The fines will double for not wearing face masks to £200

The PM told the nation: “I am sorry this will affect businesses who have just got back up on their feet.

“But we must act to stop the virus being transmitted in restaurants and bars.”

LAST ORDERS

As HOAR revealed last night, pubs and other entertainment and leisure venues will have to shut at 10pm from Thursday evening onwards.

Ministers think that Belgium – which has introduced the curfews already – have been successful in curbing their spread.

They won’t be able to open between 10pm and 5pm – but takeaway venues can continue.

Boris Johnson speaking with Michael Gove and Matt Hancock after Cabinet

The PM and his team didn’t look very socially distant outside Downing Street this morning

Professor Chris Whitty this morning

This morning Boris gathered his top team for a Cabinet meeting to discuss the new rules.

And he held a COBRA meeting with the leaders of the devolved administrations, too.

It’s expected that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit with new rules.

 

People will be told again to work from home if they can