Jump directly to the content

ALL eyes were on PM Boris Johnson tonight as pressure builds over a second national coronavirus lockdown.

In a televised speech the PM has ordered pubs to close at 10pm, so here's everything else you need to know.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

There's a lot of pressure on PM Boris Johnson - with some urging another national lockdown, and others warning against a repeat of stricter measures
5
There's a lot of pressure on PM Boris Johnson - with some urging another national lockdown, and others warning against a repeat of stricter measuresCredit: PA:Press Association

What has Boris Johnson announced?

The PM has announced a 10pm curfew on pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues in England.

The restrictions will come into force on Thursday and are designed to slow the spread of coronavirus, and mean that hospitality venues will have to offer table service.

Revellers enjoy a Saturday night out in Newcastle
5
Revellers enjoy a Saturday night out in NewcastleCredit: North News and Pictures

As part of a new package of measures, Mr Johnson has also announced an increase of enforcement measures to ensure people are obeying 'the rule of six'.

Along with this, he has announced a return to working from home as he looks to avoid the need for a second full lockdown.

Number 10 has warned an 'extended' national lockdown could be enforced
Number 10 has warned an 'extended' national lockdown could be enforced

Chief medic Chris Witty and chief scientist Sir Patrick Vallance warned on September 21 that the UK could see 50,000 coronavirus cases a day in just three weeks and deaths could soar by thousands if the bug continues to spread at its current rate.

An official estimate also shows that new infections and hospital admissions are doubling every seven to eight days in the UK.

There are fears the UK risks following the Covid-19 trajectory in other countries in Europe such as France where infections tipped the scales again on Saturday, September 19, with nearly 13,500 new infections in 24 hours.

Millions of Brits are affected by increasing local lockdowns
5
Millions of Brits are affected by increasing local lockdowns

Health secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News that a second national lockdown was a distinct possibility.

"I don't rule it out, I don't want to see it," he added.

Mr Johnson has announced fines of up to £10,000 for people in England who break new rules requiring them to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone infected with Covid-19.

The rule comes into effect on September 28.

Do I have to work from home?

Boris Johnson has said that office workers who can work from home should now do so if they can.

People in key public services and those unable to work from home should continue to go into work.

Michael Gove told Sky News this morning: "If it is possible for people to work from home then we would encourage them to do so." 

He later told the BBC that they could stay in the office if they thought it was a "safe, covid-secure" workplace, and "you should be there if your job requires it".

Are pubs, bars and restaurants closing?

Pubs, bars and restaurants will remain open but will have to close at 10pm each night from Thursday.

They must also operate table service only, except for takeaways.

The measure is being introduced to prevent breaches of social distancing due to the consumption of alcohol.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaks to the BBC's Andrew Marr
5
Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaks to the BBC's Andrew MarrCredit: AFP

When do I have to wear a face mask?

Face coverings are already mandatory on public transport, but anyone travelling in taxis will have to cover up from Thursday.

Retail staff must wear face coverings from Monday.

Both staff and customers in bars and restaurants will also have to wear face coverings, except when sitting at a table to eat or drink.

Under 11s don't have to wear them.

What are the new rules on weddings?

The maximum number of people able to attend a wedding has been cut by half from 30 to 15 from Monday.

Up to 30 people can still attend a funeral.

Can I still play five-a-side football?

No, indoor sport will no longer be exempt from the rule of six

All indoor games involving more than six adults will be banned from Thursday.

Will I be fined for breaking the rules?

Failing to wear a face mask or breaking the rule of six will now land you with a £200 fine for a first offence. 

The PM has already introduced fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate.

More police will also be out on the streets to ensure people are following the rules.

The PM has addressed the nation tonight about new restrictions
5
The PM has addressed the nation tonight about new restrictionsCredit: AFP or licensors

When did Boris Johnson last address the nation and what did he say?

On September 9, in his first No 10 press conference since July, Boris Johnson addressed the nation to announce new measures to tackle the virus.

He announced the introduction of rule of six in England from Monday (September 14).

He said: "You must not meet socially in groups of more than six – and if you do, you will be breaking the law.

"This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.

"The ban will be set out in law and it will be enforced by the police – anyone breaking the rules risks being dispersed, fined and possibly arrested."

The PM added: "This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors. Now you only need to remember the rule of six."

Limited exemptions were also outlined - for example, "if a single household or support bubble is larger than six, they can still gather".

He added: "Covid-secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than six people in total.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

"Within those venues however, there must not be individual groups larger than six, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.

"Education and work settings are unaffected, Covid-secure weddings and funerals can go ahead, up to a limit of 30 people, and organised sport will still be able to proceed."

Topics