Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new restrictions aimed at helping to slow the spread of Covid-19 which will be introduced in the coming days.

From Thursday, 24th September, all colleagues working in retail will have to wear a face covering. Other measures announced in the statement to Parliament today include:

• All pubs, bars and restaurants must operate on a table service only basis and must close at 10pm
• Takeaways must also close at 10pm, but can operate a delivery service beyond that time
• If office workers can work from home, they should do so
• The Covid secure guidelines will become legal requirements
• From Monday, there will be a maximum of 15 people allowed at weddings
• From Monday, the rule of six will be extended to all adult indoor team sports

Shops, restaurants and other hospitality businesses risk closure or penalties of £10,000 if they do not obey the new restriction measures.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience store retailers and colleagues have already made significant changes to the way that they operate, installing screens at till points, limiting the number of customers in-store and implementing a range of other measures to ensure that their businesses are Covid secure.

“We are seeking urgent clarification from the Government on exemptions for colleagues, especially those who may be unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons, and will work with members to help them comply with the new measures ahead of their introduction on Thursday.”

The Prime Minister stated that further details on the measures announced would be provided later today.

Deaths from Covid-19 remain low – accounting for only 1% of deaths in England and Wales in the week to 11 September.

But deaths are rising rather than falling for the first time since the beginning of April and there are now fears that rising numbers of patients in hospital will lead to more fatalities.