Wedding guests to be limited to 15 under new coronavirus rules – but funerals are exempt
THE number of people who can attend weddings will be slashed from 30 to 15 under new coronavirus rules, but funerals will be exempt, Boris Johnson announced today.
The PM confirmed the cut in the Commons as he brought in new restrictions in England which he warned may last six months, including a 10pm pub curfew.
Weddings held this weekend will avoid the new halving in numbers allowed at ceremonies and receptions, with the move coming into effect from Monday.
But it's another hammer blow to couples set to tie to the knot after weddings were cancelled completely in March's Covid-19 lockdown.
According to The Times, ministers had also considered curbing the amount of mourners at funerals, but decided against it.
Speaking to MPs today, the PM warned we are at a "perilous turning point" in the pandemic.
He also slapped a 10pm curfew on pubs from Thursday and told Brits they should work from home if they can in his latest bid to curb coronavirus.
CRUNCH COBRA MEETING
Currently, wedding ceremonies and receptions in England and Wales are allowed with up to 30 people, including officials, staff and the couple.
In Scotland, the amount of .
Mr Johnson also toughened up the rules and doubled the fine for failing to wear a face mask to £200.
The PM has made it mandatory for staff in pubs, restaurants and shops along with anyone getting a cab.
But takeaways can still deliver after the 10pm curfew which will hits pubs and restuarants.
We must take action to suppress the disease
Boris Johnson
Mr Johnson told the Commons: "A stitch in time saves nine. But this is by no means a return to a full lockdown as in March.
"We are not issuing a general instruction to stay at home. We will ensure that schools and universities stay open.
"But we must take action to suppress the disease."
The PM is set to chair a crunch Cobra meeting on the crisis today as the coronavirus alert level was raised from three to four.
The UK’s top docs warned yesterday we had “in a bad sense literally turned a corner” — with the death rate primed to hit 200 per day again within weeks.
On Monday, another 4,368 cases of coronavirus and 11 deaths were confirmed in the UK.
The 10pm pub curfew, from this Thursday, will also hit restaurants and all other hospitality venues in England.
The Prime Minister hopes the move, along with other restrictions to be announced, will avoid the need for a second crippling lockdown.
Mr Johnson has staved off pressure from Cabinet to shut the hospitality industry completely and will address the nation on TV at 8pm.
A spokesman for trade body UKHospitality said the curfew was "another crushing blow for many hospitality businesses struggling to recover”.
The package of new measures to be unveiled will also include a dramatic increase in enforcement measures to make sure people are obeying the Rule of Six.
More fines could be slapped on those flouting the rules with on-the-spot closures for venues that fail to follow the rules.
Ministers are also poised to signal more working from home is required, just weeks after begging Brits to return to their offices.
There are mounting fears that social mixing between households inside could be banned after it was outlawed in Northern Ireland.
The virus will continue moving down the north east coast in the coming weeks, with outbreaks growing in the Midlands and London, experts say.
Researchers from Imperial College London say future hotspots will include Hartlepool and Scarborough, with both places fighting surging cases by early October.
The London Mayor is also urging those in the capital to work from home and avoid public transport "where possible" as cases grow.
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Mr Khan also wants other restrictions imposed amid fears London could become the next coronavirus hotspot - including cutting numbers of mourners at funerals and weddings guests.
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This could include face masks being worn by all staff members and customers in pubs and restaurants.
Currently they are only mandatory in shops, public transport and takeaways.
