BORIS Johnson returned to the Downing Street press conference today the night after announcing a series of new lockdown measures in the north of England.
The daily briefings had been scrapped but return today (July 31).
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What did Boris Johnson announce?
Local lockdown
The Prime Minister discussed the measures announced last night banning households in Greater Manchester, parts of East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire from meeting each other indoors from today.
The sudden new rules – which means that people can still go to work and even visit shops and cafes – have left Brits reeling after they were introduced about 9.30pm, barely three hours before they were put into force.
The PM explained the decision to the public, as well as warned the infection rate is rising across the country.
About 4.5million people have been affected by the new lockdown rules – which are expected to be subject to a weekly review.
Easing of restrictions to be delayed
Venues that had been due to open tomorrow will not do so until at least August 15.
These include bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, Boris Johnson said.
Changes to wedding celebrations will also be postponed.
Wearing face masks to become law in some settings
Boris Johnson said the rules on face coverings will be extended “to other indoor settings where you’re likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.”
“We now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings and this will become enforceable in law from the 8 August,” he said.
The PM said people should follow rules such as washing their hands and getting tested if they develop coronavirus symptoms.
No change to work from home guidance
Boris Johnson said the guidance on working from home – with more people being encouraged to go into workplaces tomorrow – remains the same.
Wearing face coverings in some settings to become law
The prime minister says the rules on face coverings will be extended “to other indoor settings where you’re likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.”
“We now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings and this will become enforceable in law from the 8 August,” he says.
