PM follows Northamptonshire in "putting the brakes" on easing Covid-19 lockdown

Boris Johnson put the brakes on relaxing the Covid-19 lockdown by scrapping many changes planned for this weekend and adding more places where you must wear a face covering.

The Prime Minister made his bombshell announcement in a live TV briefing, saying "higher risk settings" such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos must all stay shut for at least another two weeks and a strict limit on the number of guests at weddings will stay in force.

The Prime Minister announced two weeks ago that up to 30 guests could be invited top receptions from August 1.

But he reversed that decision, saying that the country "has reached the limits of opening up" safely.

Plans to resume live indoor theatre and concert performances to resume with socially distanced audiences are also on hold.

The PM said: "I know the steps we are taking will be a real blow to those whose plans will be disrupted. I'm really sorry about that but we simply cannot take the risk.

"Rules on face coverings will be extended to other indoor settings where you're likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.

"We now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings and this will become enforceable in law from the 8 August.

“I’ve said throughout the pandemic there would be fresh outbreaks. We’re now seeing a warning light on the dashboard and it is right to respond in the way that we are.

“The answer lies with all of us following that guidance."

The PM's latest move follows a ramping up of testing in Northamptonshire and advice issued by local Public Health officials to limit contact with other households — particularly indoors — and avoid car sharing.

Public Health Northamptonshire last night (Thursday) ordered a ban on sporting events across the county involving more than two teams.

HERE'S THE ADVICE YOU NEED TO FOLLOW IN AND AROUND NORTHAMPTONNorthamptonshire's Director of Public Health Lucy Wightman said: “The county is experiencing increasing rates of infection, particularly across Northampton, Corby and Kettering.

"We must all act to reduce the transmission of the virus and we have taken this decision to reduce the risks associated with large gatherings.

“We are taking extra precautions in Northampton currently, to avoid local lockdown scenario. Allowing large events to take place where social distancing and regular hand hygiene may be difficult to achieve would potentially undo all of the hard work that has taken place over the last week."