Earlier today the Prime Minister addressed the MPs in the Commons to discuss the new restrictions that are being brought into force to help curb the rising infection numbers from Covid-19. The Prime Minister said these new restrictions could last 6 months and that it all boils down to the common sense and cooperation of the British public.
Here are the latest updates which affect England.
1) From Thursday Sept 24th, hospitality venues must close at 10pm. Takeaways can stay open, but can only do deliveries from 10pm onwards.
2) Pubs/restaurants/cafes must only provide table service – people can no longer place any orders at the bar. Takeaways can still operate.
3) Office workers are now being encouraged to work from home if they possibly can, but people can still go into their workplace if it is covid-secure and they need to in order to do their job or for their mental health.
4) Masks must now be worn by shop/hospitality venue staff and customers in all shops, restaurants, pubs etc – apart from when at the table when eating.
5) Masks must be worn by taxi drivers and passengers.
6) The opening of conference centres and the return of spectators to sporting events is not going ahead as planned on October 1st.
7) Adults participating in indoor organised sports must adhere to the rule of 6.
8) All guidance for businesses relating to Covid-19 will now be law and must be followed.
9) Fines will be issued by anyone breaking any of the rules. Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than 6 will be a fine of £200 for the first offence. Businesses that do not follow the rules and comply, could face closure or fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches.
In Wales the pubs/bars/restaurants must close by 10pm from Thursday Sept 24th, and from Friday September 25th in Scotland.
You can read the latest information here about the announcements made today: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-22-september
Areas that are under local lockdown restrictions must also follow those additional guidelines – and in most cases, this means no mixing of households unless you are part of a support bubble or provide childcare (grandparents providing childcare to assist parents)
I am continually monitoring the updates that the government and other business-related departments release and will continue to share that information for as long as I feel that it is beneficial to all businesses in the UK.
The information and policies are continually being updated by the government, so I urge you to keep on top of the information by visiting the relevant website for your area.
UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Wales: https://gov.wales/business-and-employers-coronavirus
Northern Ireland: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/
I will be trying to keep myself as informed as possible and will share relevant information on my fb business page: https://www.facebook.com/ihelmenterprises/