Government announces doubling of fines for people who refuse to wear face coverings and crack down on illegal raves and gatherings

People who repeatedly refuse to wear a face covering in the battle to stop the spread of coronavirus will face fines of up to £3,200 as the Government announced a doubling of the top punishment.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaving the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ during his visit to Belfast. Photo: PAPrime Minister Boris Johnson leaving the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ during his visit to Belfast. Photo: PA
Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaving the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ during his visit to Belfast. Photo: PA

Ministers will announce new tough measures on Friday, including the upping of the fines, and on the spot charges for hosting illegal gatherings of more than 30 people aimed at targeting raves.

But the crack down comes alongside an opening up of the remaining aspects of England’s culture, sport, leisure and business sectors from this weekend as previous concerns over an increase in the number of cases of the coronavirus being allayed.

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Indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences and wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal in a Covid-secure location for up to 30 guests will be permitted.

The final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre will go ahead on August 15 and 16, with a full pilot programme of other sporting events to follow, with a view to reopen competition venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place, from October 1.

Indoor play and indoor soft play, bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos will be permitted to reopen.

And beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers will be able to offer all close contact services – including front of the face treatments such as eyebrow threading, eyelash treatments and facials from Saturday.

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But following advice from scientists, all staff offering close contact services, including hairdressers, should now wear a face mask in addition to a clear visor that covers the face.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent. That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.

“At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.

“Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed. However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus.”

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And Home Secretary Priti Patel added: “Coronavirus remains a real and present threat to all of us and the majority of the British public are doing the right thing.

“I will not stand by and see these sacrifices undermined by a small minority of senseless individuals.

“These measures send a clear message – if you don’t cooperate with the police and if you put our health at risk, action will follow.”