Boris Johnson announces raft of coronavirus restriction changes including enforceable face mask date

Speaking at lunchtime, Boris Johnson said face coverings should now be worn in museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.

He said the law will become enforceable from August 8.

> West Yorkshire lockdown: new rules and guidance for Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees explainedThe prime minister also announced indoor performances will not resume, pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, and wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted.

Boris Johnson told a Downing Street briefing: "With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should squeeze that brake pedal... in order to keep the virus under control.

"On Saturday August 1, you'll remember we had hoped to reopen a number of the higher-risk settings that had remained closed and today I'm saying we're postponing those changes for at least a fortnight.

"That means until August 15 at the earliest casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and the remaining close-contact services must remain closed.

"Indoor performances will not resume, pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, and wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted."

Boris Johnson added: "I know that the steps we are taking will be a real blow to many people, to everyone whose wedding plans have been disrupted or who cannot now celebrate Eid in the way that they would wish.

"And I'm really, really sorry about that but we cannot simply take the risk."

Boris Johnson said the UK cannot afford to be complacent.

He said: "We cannot be complacent and I won't stand by and allow this virus to threaten to cause more pain and more heartache in our country."

England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warned that the UK has potentially reached a limit for how much of society can be opened up.

He said: "I think what we're seeing from the data from ONS and other data is that we have probably reached near the limit or the limits of what we can do in terms of opening up society.

"So what that means potentially is that if we wish to do more things in the future, we may have to do less of some other things.

"And these will be difficult trade-offs, some of which will be decisions for government and some of which are for all of us as citizens to do.

"But we have to be realistic about this. The idea that we can open up everything and keep the virus under control is clearly wrong."

Boris Johnson said the country 'must keep our discipline and our focus and we cannot be complacent'.

He said he had asked the Home Secretary to work with the police and others to ensure the rules which are already in place are properly enforced.

Boris Johnson added: "That means local authorities acting to close down premises and cancelled events which are not following Covid-secure guidance.

"And, it means a greater police presence to ensure face coverings are being worn where this is required."

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Thank you

Laura Collins