WORCESTER’S MP has backed the Coronavirus clampdown measures unveiled in the House of Commons after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the nation had reached a ‘perilous turning point’.
Robin Walker spoke out after Mr Johnson revealed a range of measures including the closure of pubs across the county and beyond at 10pm each day rather than the traditional last orders at 11pm from Thursday (September 24).
Pubs must operate table service only and from Monday (September 28) a maximum of 15 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies but up to 30 people are still allowed to attend funerals.
The Prime Minister also announced stricter rules on face coverings during his announcement in the House of Commons. The garments now must be worn in taxis, by retail staff and those in hospitality settings unless eating or drinking.
Businesses will be fined if they breach any of the rules and the £100 fine for breaking the rule of six, which includes indoor sports such as five-a-side football, has doubled to £200.
Mr Walker said: “After all the sacrifices of the period of lockdown it is essential we all keep taking measures to stop the spread of the virus.
“I urge all residents to continue to follow the Government guidelines on Covid-19. I appreciate there are frustrations around further restrictions to our normal way of life.
In the latest in a series of u-turns the Government was forced to abandoned its ‘back to work’ message in favour of asking those who can work from home to do so.
Just a month after the Government stepped up its efforts to open up offices across the country, it has been forced into a U-turn following the rise in Coronavirus cases across the country and the lack of available tests.
The only exception to the new rule, which could be in place for six months, will be for those who cannot work at home – for example builders or those who work in retail.
The U-turn will not affected schools, colleges or universities which will remain open despite the UK’s alert level rising from level 3 to 4 – meaning Covid transmission is ‘high or rising exponentially’.
