UK Government Tries To Sharpen Virus Message in England
Source: AP News
By Pan Pylas.
LONDON (AP) — The British government has sought to tighten its grip on the coronavirus in England, banning gatherings of more than six people and launching a new public information campaign. The new limits on social gatherings in England are set to stay in place for the “foreseeable future,” potentially until or even through Christmas, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Wednesday.
Hancock said the new limit, which covers both indoor and outdoor gatherings and will come into force on Monday, will provide “more clarity” to people and is aimed at damping down on a recent sharp spike in new coronavirus cases.
One reason cited for the pick-up in cases is that many people have been confused over the past few months since the lockdown started to be eased over the myriad of guidelines on gatherings. Scientists say a clear message is crucial in containing pandemics. “It’s super simple,” Hancock told BBC radio.
Though there are exemptions, such as for schools, workplaces and “life events” like funerals and weddings, the government is hoping the new limits will be easily understood and followed, especially as those flouting the rules could be fined — 100 pounds ($130) for a first offense, up to a potential 3,200 pounds. The ban on gatherings of more than six people was announced late Tuesday, following the spike that has been largely blamed on party-going young adults disregarding social distancing rules...
Read more: https://apnews.com/f5393ade3062dd44fb5f28769c48c679
- An almost empty Thames Clipper boat sails past the South Bank during the coronavirus pandemic on the River Thames, in central London, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
-----------------
- European Centre For Disease Prevention and Control, An Agency of the European Union
More, https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases
COVID-19 situation update worldwide, as of 9 September 2020
= new reply since forum marked as read
