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Boris Johnson will announce new measures to address the coronavirus pandemic after his scientific advisers warned that cases could reach 49,000 a day.
Johnson, who has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown, is expected to announce new measures designed to slow the spread of the virus in England.
What do we know about the new restrictions and what other measures could be introduced?
Watch and follow live on Sky News as Boris Johnson updates MPs on coronavirus plans at 12.30pm, with a broadcast from Downing Street at 8pm
What new restrictions have been announced?
Curfew and table service
A curfew was announced Monday night, with pubs, bars and restaurants in England forced to close at 10 p.m. every night starting Thursday to try to avoid violations of social distancing rules caused by alcohol.
The entire hospitality industry will now also be restricted by law to table service only, something that, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, could push some in the industry “over the edge.”
Work from home if you can
Before Johnson’s announcement, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Sky News: “If it’s possible for people to work from home, they should.”
He told Kay Burley that there would be a “change of emphasis” after a great effort to get people back to the office a few weeks earlier.
What other restrictions could be introduced?
Ban on socializing
The prime minister could announce a ban on different households from mixing.
There is also a suggestion that Johnson could remove the exemptions to the “rule of six” that has been in effect since Oct. 14.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said on Monday limiting social contact between households was key to fighting the virus.
He presented predictive charts showing the nation how the virus could reach 49,000 cases one day in mid-October if no further restrictive measures were introduced.
Social gatherings of more than six people from any household are already illegal in England, while Scotland has the same rule, but only two households can be in that group.
Reduction in the number of wedding guests
Currently, thirty people are allowed to attend weddings, but this could be reduced to 15 under the new rules.
Delay in judgment of sports and concert spectators
The government has been testing returning spectators to professional sporting events and indoor concert venues, with a controlled return of fans scheduled for October 1.
But that is expected to be delayed, with Mr. Gove saying the government is looking at how it can “stop that program.”
Mandatory face coverings
Face covering is mandatory in shops, supermarkets and public transport, with fines of £ 100 in England and £ 60 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland if you don’t use one in those places.
However, the prime minister could be introducing more rules, including making them mandatory in taxis and possibly when moving around offices.
A two-week “circuit breaker”
The government has been looking for ways to “short-circuit” the virus to slow the spread of the disease with new, more extreme restrictions for a short period of time.
Government figures have emphasized that the plan does not reach a full national shutdown.
The proposals could allow essential travel to schools and workplaces to continue, but restaurants and pubs would close earlier, as announced.
Different households would also be asked not to mix.
The restrictions could be imposed for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures have yet to be defined, so that may not happen now, but it could happen in the future.
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A second national blockade
Health Secretary Matt Hancock declined to rule out “national action” when pressed on the possibility of a second national shutdown.
He told Sky News on Sunday that the measure is a “last line of defense,” but that the government will do whatever it takes to protect the public.
The prime minister said last week that he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown, but warned the government may need to “step up things to help reduce the rate of infections.”
He added: “Now we are seeing a second wave looming … clearly, we are going to keep everything under review.”
