AHEAD of Boris Johnson addressing the nation tonight (Tuesday, September 22) at 8pm, the PM made a 12.30pm speech at Parliament outlining new restrictions.
It comes after the government’s chief scientific officers Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Witty, issued a stark warning yesterday, saying that there could be as many as 50,000 daily cases by mid-October if the country does not act quickly.
Last week saw a significant tightening of restrictions in an attempt to get ahead of the virus’s spread with local lockdowns affecting millions of people across parts of the north-west, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands, including Solihull, Sandwell and Birmingham.
Solihull’s rate this week is 57 per 100,000 during the week ending September 18 with 124 cases recorded – a drop of 30 from the previous week.
Across Coventry and Warwickshire, Rugby has seen the highest rate of cases standing at 55 cases per 100,00 with 60 recorded tests last week. In Coventry, coronavirus is still on the rise with a rate of 38 cases per 100,000 and 142 positive tests recorded during the week ending September 18.
The rate for the West Midlands Combined Authority area stands at 65 per 100,000 with 1,906 cases over the last seven days. The rate for the West Midlands Regions is 42 with 2,549 cases.
Today at 12.30pm Boris Johnson told MPs that new rules could remain in place for six months.
He said: “First, we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so. In key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible, such as construction or retail, people should continue to attend their workplaces.
“Second, from Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways. Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm.
“And to help the police enforce this rule that means, alas, closing not just calling for last orders, because simplicity is paramount.
“Third, we will extend the requirement to wear face coverings to include staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
“Fourth, in retail, leisure and tourism and other sectors, our Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations.
“Fifth, now is the time to tighten up the rule of six. I’m afraid that from Monday a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, though up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now.
“We will also have to extend the rule of six to all adult indoor team sports.”
