Tough new lockdown restrictions on social gatherings across England are set to be announced later today as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries to limit the spike in Covid-19 transmissions.
The new rules will come into force this coming Monday 14 September banning groups of more than 6 people from coming together.
The new rules will apply to all people in England of all ages, excluding them from gathering indoors, outdoors, in homes, public outdoor spaces, and venues such as pubs and restaurants. The new rules will not apply to workplaces or schools, and there will be exemptions for weddings, funerals and some organised team sports.
People failing to comply will be fined, starting at £100 and building to up to £3,200 for repeat offenders.
The new legislation follows a sharp increase in the infection rate which was first highlighted last Sunday when 2,988 new cases were reported. Monday saw 2,948 and yesterday 2,460.
The new lockdown restrictions are a disaster for the hospitality industry as they will force businesses already badly damaged to adjust again to the new laws. With only six people allowed to gather anywhere, how the new rules will apply are open to interpretation until they are addressed later today.
Boris Johnson, already being questioned for his leadership throughout the pandemic to date will have to work hard to try and garner any trust in his flawed decision making and policies.
Fragile consumer confidence will be smashed, the most important part of the equation that is needed to see some chance for the hospitality industry to survive.
The government’s limp attempts to convince an already sceptical public that it is safe to return to their workplaces, essential for hospitality, are now sterile.
For the hospitality industry today is another big step back on any road to recovery being supposedly navigated by Johnson and his inept sycophantic cabinet.
