THE GOVERNMENT has abandoned its ‘back to work’ message in favour of asking those who can work from home to do so as Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the nation had reached a ‘perilous turning point’.
A large number of people are still working from home following the Coronavirus lockdown in March and have been the subject of calls from politicians and columnists to ‘get back to work’ and support ailing town centres.
However 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 major U-turn has 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’.
In the last fortnight hospital admissions have more than doubled, according to Mr Johnson.
Pubs across the country have also been warned that from Thursday (September 24) they must close by 10pm each day and must operate table service only.
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 this morning.
He said face coverings 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 Covid rules and the £100 fine for breaking the rule of six, which includes indoor sports, has doubled to £200.
Vulnerable people do not need to shield unless in a local lockdown area.
“If we fail to bring the R below 1, then we reserve the right to deploy greater fire power, with significantly greater restrictions,” said Mr Johnson.
