Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced new measures in England after he said the country had reached a “perilous turning point”. He said the new rules could be in place for up to six months, warning “significantly greater restrictions” could follow if the Government deems it necessary. The Prime Minister said “similar steps” would be taken across the UK after her met with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Tuesday morning.
New rules in England
Pubs and restaurants have been handed a 10pm curfew, meaning no more late nights.
In addition, all service must now be table service, and you will have to wear a face mask at all times in pubs, cafes and restaurants unless your orders have to be brought to you.
Mr Johnson says people should, where possible, work from home, while the planned return of spectators to sports games on October 1 has now been cancelled.
The number of people allowed at a wedding in England has been reduced from 30 to 15, but funerals can continue having 30 people present.
In addition, the rule of six still applies, meaning you should never be in a group of more than six people in any setting, including with friends and family.
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New rules in Scotland
From Wednesday, people across Scotland will not be allowed in other people’s homes, with exceptions for people living alone from extended households and couples who don’t live together.
Informal childcare from grandparents and other family members can still go on.
People can still meet in pubs, restaurants and parks as long as they continue to abide by the rule of six, which children under 12 are excluded from.
Just like in England, pubs and bars across Scotland will have to close at 10pm from Friday onwards.
Scots are also being advised not to share a car with anyone from a different household after public health data said it posed a “significant risk of transmission”.
Mr Drakeford said: “The fewer people we meet and the fewer journeys we make, the safer we all are.”
Some rules are already in place in Wales, like that people must work from home wherever possible.
A face mask or covering must be worn on public transport, in shops, and in enclosed public spaces.
In some parts of South Wales, which have seen the sharpest rises in cases, there are already even stricter local lockdown restrictions in place to protect citizens.
New rules in Northern Ireland
Households are no longer allowed to mix indoors in private homes, but children whose parents don’t live together are free to move around as normal.
While Northern Ireland hasn’t yet implemented a curfew, its Government is reportedly considering this measure and is to discuss it further on Thursday.
First Minister Arlene Foster also said the idea of a “circuit breaker”, essentially a second lockdown but for a short amount of time, was “in the mix”.
Gatherings indoors or outdoors, but not in someone’s house, are allowed to take place as long as not more than 15 people are present.
Up to six people from no more than two households can meet outdoors in a private garden, but social distancing must be maintained, and children under 12 are not counted in the rule of six in Northern Ireland.
