Boris Johnson confirmed in the House of Commons today that the government would be implementing new restrictions to tackle the rise of COVID cases in Britain.
The Prime Minister said that office workers should now work from home where possible.
From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants in England must operate table service only – closing at 10pm.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings will be extended to retail, taxis and hospitality (unless drinking/eating), whilst COVID-secure guidelines will now become law.
Fines of £10,000 will be issued to businesses who do not adhere to the new rules.
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Those who do not wear a face covering where required to do so may also be liable for £200 fines – even for a first offence.
From Monday, a maximum 15 people can attend weddings and receptions. Up to 30 can attend funerals.
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Reintroducing sports fans to stadiums will not go ahead on October 1 as originally planned.
The Prime Minister gave the statement to his fellow politicians at Westminster on Tuesday afternoon, praising the fortitude of the British people but admitting the UK had reached “a perilous turning point.”
The announcement came just over 24 hours after a presentation from top medical advisers Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance – which revealed British cases could reach 50,000 per day.
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Johnson also used Spain and France as examples of how the numbers would grow “unless we act”.
Reports had already speculated that England’s hospitality sector would be subjected to new restrictions.
Michael Gove had also hinted at tighter measures during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, admitting the government were set to make a u-turn on their ‘Back to Work’ plan; changing their tune to ask for people to work from home instead.
As many as 11 million UK residents are currently living under social curbs.
Fines of up to £10,000 will also be introduced from Monday to anyone who does not self-isolate when asked/required to do so.
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
22nd September 2020 
