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After experts warned that if the trend of recent weeks continues, the lethality of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom would increase, Boris Johnson announced more measures to combat the pandemic. The Prime Minister, in a statement to the country, also guaranteed that this is not “a new lockdown”, but if the epidemic curve does not flatten out, it will have to tighten restrictions in the coming months.
“We will spare no effort in developing vaccines, treatments, new forms of mass testing. But unless we make visible progress, we assume the restrictions I announced will be in effect for at least six months.”said the British prime minister.
According to the new package of measures, starting next Thursday, September 24, Pubs, bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues in the UK are now forced to close at 10pm, service can only be performed at the table and employees will have to wear a mask. In these spaces, clients must also wear face protection, except when eating or drinking.
The British government has again recommended work from home whenever possible and suspended public return to major sporting events, which was scheduled for October.
In taxis, rental services and any public transport, the use of a mask is mandatory. The Government also asks people to maintain social distance and ensure good hand hygiene.
Indoor team sports are also not allowed as more than six people and the meetings are also limited to groups of six. There are also new rules for religious ceremonies: Weddings will have a maximum limit of 15 people, starting on Monday of next week.
These and other measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic were discussed Tuesday in a meeting with the crisis office. The UK is at alert level four, which means that the transmission of the new coronavirus is “high or increasing exponentially”.
However, Johnson said that the government does not intend to encourage people to stay home and that some businesses and most educational institutions and universities can remain open and operating with some normality, as long as they ensure safe conditions.
“We are taking decisive steps to balance saving lives with protecting jobs and livelihoods”, wrinkled.
But those who do not comply with the new measures, the fines have increased: those who do not wear the mask in places where there is a fight can pay a fine of about 200 pounds. Law enforcement authorities will work with the government and health authorities to inspect and ensure that the rules are observed, Boris Johnson said.
The government must “act now to avoid even more serious consequences in the future,” argued the prime minister.
