Latest updates from Prime Minister, including new law for wearing face masks

Boris Johnson has announced the latest updates in a coronavirus press conference this afternoon, which sees face masks mandatory in more places. 

The prime minister is currently answering questions from the media after his coronavirus press conference where he announced some new rules regarding coronavirus lockdown.

The latest updates come after evidence suggests the infection rate has risen across the country. 

Johnson adds that progress continues and death numbers are falling but some European countries are ‘struggling’ to control coronavirus and the UK must be ready to ‘react’.

The updates that were set to take place from tomorrow (August 1st) such as the national pause on shielding and advising employees to head back to work remain the same. 

However, the easing of some restrictions is being delayed until at least August 15th. This includes bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, Boris Johnson says.

Spectators will also no longer be permitted to attend the sport pilot events that were planned in the coming days. 

From August 8th, face masks will be mandatory in new settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet such as museums, 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,” he says.

Johnson also reiterated that people should continue to wash their hands regularly and get tested if they develop symptoms. 

The Prime Minister added that the new restrictions in place in the North West of England are not a ‘return to lockdown’.

Professor Chris Whitty confirms the rise in infection rates in several parts of the world ‘is not a second wave’. Whitty adds it is necessary to ‘pull back’ from easing restrictions to prevent this. 

The Chief Medical Officer explains that the UK has ‘probably reached or neared the limits of what we can do in terms of opening up society’.

Regarding opening school in Autumn, Whitty said that the “idea that we can open up everything and keep the virus under control” is wrong, he said, but it is clear that “schools are an absolute priority” for society.