The Prime Minister will today
[Tuesday 22ndSeptember] set out next steps to tackle the
spread of coronavirus as cases continue to rise in the UK and
across Europe.
He will confirm all pubs, bars, restaurants
and other hospitality in England will be required to close by
10pm from this Thursday.
The Prime Minister will also say the
hospitality sector will be restricted by law to table service
only.
Cabinet will meet this morning ahead of the
Prime Minister setting out the changes in a statement to
Parliament. He will also bring together the COBR committee with
Cabinet Ministers and First Ministers to discuss the surge in
cases.
He will make an address to the nation later in
the day on further ways we will confront the virus in line with
the latest scientific advice, and the role everyone can continue
to play in tackling the spread, including by following the social
distancing guidance, wearing face coverings and washing hands
regularly.
A No 10 spokesperson
said:
“No-one underestimates the challenges the new measures will pose
to many individuals and businesses. We know this won’t be easy,
but we must take further action to control the resurgence in
cases of the virus and protect the NHS.”
Throughout the weekend, the Prime Minister held a series of key
meetings with scientific advisers, Ministers and senior officials
to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
On Saturday, Cabinet were briefed by the Chief Medical Officer
, Chief
Scientific Adviser Sir and the
Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli, and on Sunday evening the
Prime Minister and Chancellor held a special summit to hear
scientific views from across the spectrum.
Yesterday (Monday) the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific
Adviser gave a public briefing on the latest coronavirus data
which shows how the number of cases is currently doubling around
every seven days, and if we continue on this trajectory, this
could lead to 50,000 cases a day by the middle of October. They
also set out the potential scenarios as we move into what will be
a very challenging winter period.
The COVID-19 alert level has moved from Level 3 to Level 4 after
the data showed the number of cases was rising rapidly.
The CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed
with the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s recommendation to raise the
alert level, and the decision was signed off by the Prime
Minister at today’s COVID Strategy meeting following the shift in
the current threat posed by coronavirus.
The Prime Minister also spoke with the First Ministers of
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the deputy First
Minister of Northern Ireland.
The Prime Minister’s address to the nation is expected at 8pm
this evening and will be broadcast live.
