LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people on Tuesday to work from home where possible and ordered that bars and restaurants be closed earlier in order to deal with the second wave of COVID-19 spreading rapidly.
After government scientists warned that the death toll would rise without immediate action, Johnson said the new borders in England could last for six months even though they had stopped setting some complete restrictions.
“I am sorry to say that like Spain and France and many other countries, we have reached a dangerous stage,” Johnson told parliament following urgent meetings with ministers and dedicated United Kingdom government leaders.
He ordered all restaurants, bars, restaurants and other hospitality to be closed by 10 a.m. from Thursday only table service is allowed.
There will be a need for masks in most cases, businesses that break the rules will be fined and there will be a strong crackdown on people who do not comply with this, he said.
However, schools and universities will remain open. He will give a national television address at 1900 GMT.
Government advisers say the number of new cases could reach 50,000 a day by mid-October.
Johnson warned that other sectors could be introduced if the new measures do not work.