UK PM sets new COVID-19 restrictions, warns of 'perilous turning point'
Updated 21:43, 22-Sep-2020
CGTN

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday set out new restrictions to fight against COVID-19 in Parliament, saying the country has reached a "perilous turning point." 

Face masks will be required in more settings, businesses who break rules will be fined, and there will be tougher enforcement against people who do not comply, he said, while the military could be brought in to help free up the police. However, schools and universities will stay open.

He confirmed that pubs and restaurants in England will have a 10 p.m. curfew from Thursday, and only table service will be allowed. Staff are advised to work from home if they can, despite a governmental advice issued earlier this month to head back to workplaces.

The limit on wedding guests will also be reduced from 30 to 15, said Johnson.

The new restrictions could last six months, the prime minister said. He will address the nation at 1900 GMT.

Britain recorded another 4,368 infections overnight on Monday, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 398,625. The coronavirus-related death toll rose by 11 to 41,788, according to official figures released Monday. 

(With input from agencies.)