The new approach will mirror the quarantine measures for those returning from holidays, where police can issue a fine of up to £1000 for those breaching the quarantine. Since quarantine regulations were introduced only 34 people have received a fine. John Apter, of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “There is a real risk some members of the public will take advantage of the current situation and treat this weekend as a party weekend ahead of the tighter restrictions being introduced on Monday.”
Plans are also underway for a hotline for people to report those that break quarantine rules.
As coronavirus cases increase officials are also planning to increase spot checks on those who are under the 14-day quarantine.
Imperial college study has now suggested the reproduction rate of the virus has increased to 1.7.
Birmingham has become the latest area to see a regional lockdown.
Yesterday ministers announced the region would be placed under partial lockdown.
This measure would affect 1.6 million people.
Explaining the new measures, Michael Gove told Times Radio this week: “The reason why we’re taking the steps we announced this week and come into force on Monday is precisely to seek to avoid a second national lockdown.
“The R rate has increased, the number of people who have been infected sadly has increased.”
READ MORE: Queen heartbreak – Will the Queen EVER return to Buckingham Palace?
The Prime Minister said that there would be on-the-spot fines of £100 for those in breach of the new regulation.
Repeat offenders could be fined up to £3,200.
He has explained the tough new approach was to “avoid a second national lockdown”.
Since the rise in the reproduction rate of the virus Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have amended restrictions to make them tougher.
