UK coronavirus live: restaurants, pubs and gyms to close tonight; government to pay 80% of wages of those not working
All the day’s developments as UK death toll reaches 177 and government announces new clampdown alongside financial easing
- Government to pay up to 80% of wages in outbreak
- Johnson announces closure of all UK pubs and restaurants
- Italy sees biggest day-to-day rise in deaths
- ‘Don’t take any chances’: warning of woman with Covid-19
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The communities secretary Robert Jenrick has said the new social distancing measures announced by the Prime Minister will be in place for 14 days then reviewed, and has also provided a definitive list of places that are to close.
These are:
(1/2) We’ve made the decision to strengthen social distancing measures from this evening.
All restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes & entertainment venues will be temporarily closed as we fight this virus.
(2/2) I appreciate and understand that this is very difficult moment for business owners and workers across the country and we are here to support you – whatever it takes.
3. These measures will be in place for 14 days and then reviewed to consider their effectiveness
We will work with businesses to find new ways of trading – takeaway & delivery will continue due to emergency changes to the law & these options will be available to all businesses
4. This applies to the following businesses:
Food & drink venues
Pubs, bars and clubs
Cinemas, theatres, concert and bingo halls
Spas, indoor leisure and gyms
Casinos & betting shops
Museums & galleries
More info on https://t.co/3tZ07dzIKP shortly.
Boris Johnson said of people not practising social distancing:
To people going against the scientific advice, you’re not only putting your own life and the lives of your family at risk, you’re endangering the community and you’re making it more difficult to protect the NHS and save lives.
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