Government Updates Coronavirus Regulations

September 23, 2020

The government’s approach to tackling coronavirus has changed over the past few days which means new and altered regulations for people to follow. Currently:

• Pubs bars and restaurants must close at 10pm and will be restricted to table service.
• Face masks are mandatory for bar staff, shop workers, waiters and in the vast majority of indoor settings. They are required in bars or restaurants unless you are seated to eat or drink.
• People are encouraged to work from home wherever possible and gatherings of more than six people are banned. This applies to indoor sports teams but not to disabled teams. Fans are not able to attend sporting events.
• There are exceptions to this rule and support groups (15 people), funerals (30 people) and weddings (15 people) are exempt. There is no limit for childcare, children’s activities or in the workplace. Social distancing should be exercised in all cases.

The NHS is also releasing an app which will tell users if they have been in contact with coronavirus. It is now mandatory that the following businesses display a QR code prominently so that people, by scanning it with their phones, can see if the premises has been contaminated.

The following businesses are:

• Hospitality services, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés.
• Tourism and leisure services, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks.
• Close contact services, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors.
• Facilities provided by Local Authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres.
• Places of worship, including use for events and other community activities.

Any other businesses visited by the public are encouraged to take part. You can find out how to make a QR code here.

There is a £200 fine for those who break the rules or do not wear a mask when required.

This round of regulations is expected to last until March.