Boxing Day marked the beginning of a new stage in social distancing restrictions all across the UK. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be imposing the following measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
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Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, no more than three households will be able to meet at one. A strict one-metre distance will have to be respected between groups at indoor and outdoor venues. Such establishments include: bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, and fitness centres. In places where alcohol is served, only table service will be allowed.
Northern Ireland, similarly, has imposed a maximum of three households socialising at once. Further, no more than six people can meet in pubs, bars and restaurants together at the same time.
As well as the aforementioned, Wales will be introducing a mandatory two-metre social distancing in public premises and offices. Nightclubs, on the other hand, will remain closed in all three British nations until further notice.
No new COVID rules for England
PM Boris Johnson was expected to announce further restrictions yesterday, 27 December but is said to still be examining hospital data before making a final call. But this had led many to criticise the Prime Minister as cases are currently spreading exponentially in major English cities such as London and Manchester. Dr Paul Donaldson, the general secretary of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association, said 'it would be ludicrous' to not take further action any sooner:
There is a high probability we are moving too late. We will soon start to see the impact of Christmas. We are holding out hope that hospitalisations are at the lower end of projections. But given the uncertainty we face it would be ludicrous not to take additional precautions.
