Boris Johnson has addressed the nation in a new TV statement on the country’s coronavirus restrictions.
He began his address by calling coronavirus “the single biggest crisis the world has faced in my lifetime”, but insists he is certain “this is a struggle that humanity will win”.
He explained that we are now going to have to make choices, “none of them easy”.
He then went on to admit that there have been “too many breaches” of the rules more recently and that the virus has started spreading “in an exponential way”.
So what are the confirmed new restrictions for England?
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10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants from Thursday 24 September
Table service only in hospitality venues
Work from home if you can
Customers must wear face coverings in taxis, as well as staff in retail
Staff and customers in indoor hospitality must now wear face coverings
From Monday 28 September, only 15 people can attend a wedding service and reception – 30 people can still attend a funeral
A maximum of six people can take part in indoor team sports
Large sports events and conferences will not take place from 1 October, as previously planned
Businesses will be fined £10,000 and could be closed if they breach regulations
The fine for people not wearing face coverings in shops, supermarkets, public transport, taxis and in indoor hospitality will double to £200 for a first time offence, from £100
This fine will be the same for those who break the “rule of six”
Those who have been shielding do not need to do so except in local lockdown areas.
He says the new rules – including those closing pubs, cafes and restaurants earlier and expanding the use of face coverings – are necessary.
One person’s mild cough “can be someone else’s death knell”, he says.
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The PM also says it is not a realistic option to “simply lock up the elderly and the vulnerable”. That’s because the virus would still “rip through” the rest of the population and get to these groups “in much greater numbers”.
Johnson says he’s “deeply, spiritually reluctant” to curb civil liberties, but the virus can’t be allowed to get out of control or NHS patients with “non-Covid needs” will suffer.
Another lockdown would threaten jobs and “the loving human contact” on which we all depend”, he adds.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
The Manc -
22nd September 2020 
