Latest Covid-19 restrictions now legal requirements, PM says

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new measures to curb the increase in coronavirus cases, including making Covid-secure rules for businesses a legal requirement. 

Retail and indoor hospitality staff will also be legally required to wear masks while working. 

The penalty for not wearing a mask or breaking the ‘Rule of Six’ will now also double to £200, while police and local authorities will be provided with extra funding in order to increase their presence. 

Johnson also added that the public will again be encouraged to work from home where possible, noting that those working in retail environments should still attend their workplace.

The measures announced today will be implemented in England, while devolved powers will take “similar” measures, according to the prime minister. He also added that the new measures will likely be in place for the next six months.

Johnson is also set to address the nation at 8pm tonight (22 September).