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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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
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All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
The Manc -
22nd September 2020 
