I want to share with you the updated social distancing measures announced this afternoon.
The Government has made the difficult decision to ask the public to work from home where possible, and avoid all unnecessary social contact including in social venues such as pubs, restaurants, clubs, and theatres. This guidance is helping to reduce the spread of the virus and therefore reduce mounting pressure on our National Health Service, allowing those most acutely affected with Covid-19 to access the care they need.
However, we are now at a stage where we need to do more.
In order to further reduce social contact, from the close of trading today, the Government is telling the following businesses across the UK close:
• Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.
• Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars and nightclubs.
• Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls and bingo halls.
• Museums and galleries.
• Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours.
• Casinos and betting shops.
• All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms.
Takeaway and delivery facilities should remain open and operational. We will change planning regulations so that restaurants, cafes and pubs which do not current offer delivery and hot food take away are able to do so. These measures will be in place for a period of 14 days, and then reviewed on a monthly basis to consider their effectiveness and compliance in light of changing circumstances.
I know the economic impact of this will be significant. To reduce it, the Chancellor has introduced a series of substantial measures to support the economy and businesses through this challenging time.
Further information can be found https://www.gov.uk/…/guidan…/covid-19-support-for-businesses.