Prime Minister Boris Johnson will attend a virtual press conference in Downing Street on September 9, 2020 in London.
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LONDON – UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that Britain was at a “dangerous turn” and would now have to take action to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
In a significant change in tone, Johnson overturned the lockdown measures in the country, and asked people to work from home once again if possible.
He warned that new measures, including early bans on pub and rest restaurant rent, could be in place for up to six months.
It comes after a spike in coronavirus cases in recent days that has led to local lockdown measures in some parts of the north of England. Even groups of more than six people are no longer allowed to meet.
A further 4,368 cases were reported in the country on Monday. Meanwhile, the government’s scientific advisers warned that if no action is taken, by mid-October, the country is moving towards about 1,000,000 new cases a day. They say it kills 200 or more people a day.
The sanctions announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday include:
- Hospitality businesses, such as pubs and rest restaurants rents, must offer table service only, and from Thursday to 10 p.m.
- The use of face masks will be increased.
- The number of people attending weddings has been reduced to 15.
- Those who can work from home should do so.
Johnson insisted that if the measure did not improve coronavirus cases, further sanctions could be imposed.
– Holy Eliat contributed to this report
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