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Fines Doubled And Weddings Capped At 15 People Under New Coronavirus Rules

Fines Doubled And Weddings Capped At 15 People Under New Coronavirus Rules

Boris Johnson outlined the government's next steps to Parliament this afternoon

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The Prime Minister has announced that from Monday only 15 people will be allowed to attend weddings and wedding receptions, as well as applying the 'rule of six' to indoor team sports.

Johnson addressed the House of Commons this afternoon, stating that 'this is the moment that we must act' as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the UK.

Johnson confirmed the measures outlined today are likely to be in force for the next six months, at least.

He added that funerals will still be capped at 30 people, but also outlined that fines for failing to wear a mask without an exemption or breaking the rule of six will now be doubled to £200 for a first offence.

PA

In addition, businesses who break the rules regarding table service, or any other breaches, will face a fine of £10,000 - the same as the fine for refusing to quarantine.

He also said that business could even be closed if they fall afoul of the new measures.

The Prime Minister also warned that 'significantly greater restrictions' could come into force if the numbers did not start to turn in the right direction.

He confirmed: "If all these actions fail we reserve the right to use greater fire power with significantly greater restrictions,

"I fervently want to avoid taking this step but we will only be able to avoid it if our new measures work and our behaviour changes."

Johnson said that the rules 'will only work if people comply' and admonished those who are 'brazenly' refusing to follow the government's rules.

Johnson said: "This virus is a fact of our lives and I must tell the House and the country our fight against it will continue."

PA

He stated that he would not listen to those who argued that the UK should 'let the virus rip' or argue for a full and complete lockdown, but said that he aimed to take 'decisive and appropriate steps to balance saving lives with protecting jobs and livelihoods'.

He warned: "It is tempting to hope the threat has faded and seek comfort in the belief you have avoided the virus so far so are somehow immune.

"But that type of complacency could be our undoing."

During the statement, Johnson also announced that the government's policy was now returning to 'work-from-home' rather than sending people back to work.

He did state that those who cannot work from home should continue to go to their places of work safely.

PA

Labour leader Keir Starmer said that his party agreed with the measures, stating: "We know from bitter experience what happens next. So it's right the PM is confirming new measures today - and we support them."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus, Politics, Covid-19