Coronavirus update

On Friday the Prime Minister provided an update in our fight against the coronavirus. He warned that whilst we have made progress, we cannot be complacent - and that is why it’s so important we all wash our hands, cover our face, and make space.

  • We are in a far better position to keep the virus under control now than we were at the start of the pandemic, because we know so much more about the virus and have so many more tools at our disposal to deal with it. 
     
  • Our testing capacity has increased 100-fold, we have a contract tracing system up and running that has led to over 184,000 people isolating who may otherwise have spread the virus, we have secured supplies of billions of items of PPE. And we have new treatments, like dexamethasone and remedsivir, to shorthorn recovery times and reduce mortality rates. 
     
  • At every point we have said our plan to reopen society and the economy once again is conditional – that it relies on continued progress against the virus, and that we would not hesitate to put the brakes if required. With the number of cases creeping up, our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control. 
     
  • That means for at least a fortnight, we are postponing the reopening of casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and remaining close contact services must remain closed, meanwhile indoor performances will not resume, pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, while wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted. 
     
  • We are also extending the requirement to wear a face covering to other indoor settings, where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet in places such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worships. We are now recommending face coverings are worn in these settings, and it will become enforceable in law from 8 August. 
     
  • We know that the steps we are taking will be a heavy blow to many people, but we simply cannot take this risk.  The best way we can beat this virus is if we follow the rules – wash your hands, cover your face and make space. We’ve made huge progress together, and we know we are going to succeed - if each and every one of us plays our part.

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