UK bans nighttime pub and restaurant operations... EPL spectator admission resumption canceled

Strengthening Control Measures Amid COVID-19 Resurgence

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] As the shadow of a resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) loomed over the UK, it finally implemented a second lockdown measure. However, a complete shutdown of pubs and restaurants and a total ban on meetings between households were excluded.

On the 22nd (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new COVID-19 restrictions in a statement to the House of Commons.

Accordingly, from the 24th, the operation of pubs, bars, and restaurants will be prohibited after 10 p.m. Delivery services will still be allowed after that time. Standing and socializing with others in pubs is prohibited, and customers must be seated.

All hospitality service staff, retail shop employees, taxi drivers, and others must wear masks. Restaurant visitors are also required to wear masks unless they are seated. Violations of the mask mandate will start with a fine of ?200 (about 300,000 KRW), and the fine will double with each subsequent offense.

COVID-19 safety measures are legally mandated, and retail, leisure, and tourism businesses that fail to comply may face fines up to ?10,000 (about 15 million KRW) and business suspension orders.

Weddings are limited to 15 attendees, and funerals to 30. Social gatherings are limited to six people, and the same rule applies to indoor sports.

The plan to partially reopen sports stadiums to spectators from October 1, including football matches, has also been canceled.

Remote work is again recommended except for essential public services, construction, retail, and other industries that require on-site presence.

Prime Minister Johnson said, "The UK is now at a very dangerous turning point in the fight against COVID-19," and added, "We must act now to avoid more serious consequences later." He said the new measures could be in place for up to six months and stated, "For the time being, we must live with the virus."

However, Johnson explained that these measures are not a full lockdown like the one introduced at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. He emphasized, "This is far from returning to the full lockdown of last March," and "We are not issuing a general instruction to stay at home unconditionally."