Curfew could be put in place across the country as ‘second peak’ threatens Christmas

Boris Johnson will be making an announcement today confirming the new law effective Monday that makes gatherings of more than six people illegal, and a national curfew could be put in place. 

This comes following a significant spike in Covid-19 cases, with almost 8,5000 positive tests being recording in England in the past three days. 

Ministers are also considering a national curfew, according to the Telegraph, similar to those rules recently imposed in Bolton.

The new rules in Bolton, unveiled by Matt Hancock, bars people from socialising outside of their household. It comes due to the Greater Manchester borough’s high Covid infection rate, 120 cases per 100,000.

Speaking of the new measures which were imposed with immediate effect, Hancock said: “We will restrict all hospitality to takeaway only, and will introduce a late-night restriction of operating hours which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.

“We’ll introduce urgently further measures that put the current guidance that people cannot socialise outside their household into law.”

The Conservative leader of Bolton Council, councillor David Greenhalgh, said the measures were: “…not something we want to do but it is clear the virus is currently moving round the borough uncontrolled and so we need to halt the transmission rate”.

Greater Manchester now has the highest rate of infections in the country, reportedly due to young adults mixing in pubs and restaurants and ignoring social distancing rules, according to The Telegraph’s reports on Government data. 

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Government, chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser have jointly agreed that urgent action is necessary after seeing the number of daily positive cases rise to almost 3,000 recently.”

Additionally, police chiefs urged ministers to simplify the rules to make them easier to implement. 

It is expected the Prime Minister will say: “We are strengthening the rules on social contact, making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.”

“It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others and getting a test if you have symptoms.”

The new national rules will see £100 fines for those who break them and meet in groups greater than six people, indoors or outdoors. The fine will double for each repeat offence to a maximum of £3,200.

Repeated refusal to pay any fine is a criminal offence and can result in a court appearance, and ultimately could lead to a prison sentence. 

The coronavirus case totals exceeded 350,000 and has been the highest since May, with Covid-related deaths hitting 32, the highest the UK has seen in weeks. 

Matt Hancock has warned ministers that the UK is on the brink of a ‘second peak’. Adding: “Each and every citizen has a responsibility to follow social distancing and help stop a second peak.”

Scientists have warned that restrictions will need to be in place until the end of the year, which could potentially threaten Christmas celebrations. 

A member of the Government’s SAGE advisory boar, John Edmunds, said: “The epidemic continues to increase and then we have Christmas.

“And that is very difficult. What is Christmas? Well it’s meeting with your family very close. Restaurants and pubs and stuff like that.

“It’s all high risk. And it’s all indoors.”

Prof Whitty said: “We have, through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population, got Covid rates right down.

“They are now rising again, especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing, Covid comes back.”

Earlier this week, Mr Hancock blasted young people, warning them not to ‘kill your gran’.

In parallel with the press conference later today, the government is expected to launch a new public information campaign starting Wednesday to reiterate ‘handwashing and mask use’.