简体中文
02:05
From now on, pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK must close at 22:00 GMT and will be restricted to table service only as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.
In a change from the past two weeks, people are now being advised to work from home whenever possible and the government has finally launched its
contact-tracing app for England and Wales.
Face masks are compulsory for bar staff and non-seated customers, shop workers and waiters. And fines for not wearing masks or following the rules have been increased to $254.
CLICK:
CHECK OUT OUR BREAKDOWN OF THE LATEST RULES ACROSS THE CONTINENT
Workers and bosses, particularly in the hospitality industry, have expressed concern at these changes and say they are now confused by government announcements.
The Federation of Small Businesses, an organization representing small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, has called on the government to urgently reconsider a second round of support measures for the economy.
Keir Starmer, the opposition Labour Party leader, made an address to the nation on Wednesday evening in addition to leading the questions in Parliament. Starmer praised the public for their efforts saying: "The British people have done everything asked of them. But I'm afraid the government has not."
Of most concern to Johnson will be his own backbenchers who are growing more vocal by the day over measures that further threaten the UK economy.
There are many influential members of parliament who think he is too cautious and are concerned that even more stringent lockdown measures are in the pipeline.
The principle scientific advice remains consistent: Wash hands regularly, keep two meters distance and wear a face covering.
Scientists are concerned the resurgence of the virus has been caused by carelessness among the public in parts of the country.
The R number (the reproduction rate for COVID-19) was below 1 for the past two months but is now thought to be anywhere between 1.2 and 1.7 depending on where you go in the country.
Scientists point out that the UK is a few weeks behind Spain and if current rates continue, admissions to hospital and patient deaths are likely to increase with time.
If the current measures put in place do not lead to an improvement, there is a likelihood that medical advisors will push for more stringent action, though the government is still set against a second full lockdown.
**Remember to sign up to **
Global Business Daily here
** to get our top headlines direct to your inbox every weekday**