9 Changes To The Coronavirus Lockdown Rules You Need To Know Today
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The government has announced a number of changes to coronavirus lockdown rules overnight, some good and some bad depending on your current situation.
If you’re on holiday in France then you face a race to get home before quarantine restrictions are imposed but if you’re a snooker fan or have a wedding planned then things are about to improve.
1) Fines
Fines across the UK for repeatedly refusing to wear a mask could soar to £3,200 and organisers of illegal raves could face a £10,000 penalty, Boris Johnson has announced.
At present, people who refuse to wear a face-covering where it is required face a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Under the new measures, that penalty will double for subsequent offences, up to a maximum of £3,200, PA Media reports.
In England, face coverings are mandatory in settings including public transport, shops and museums, with some exemptions for children or on medical grounds.
And a clampdown on illegal gatherings of more than 30 people could see those responsible hit with spot fines of up to £10,000, a Downing Street source indicated.
Police chiefs have promised increased patrols to prevent unlicensed events following a spate of parties during the heatwave.
2) Holidays
Last night the government said travellers arriving from France after 4am on Saturday will be required to quarantine for 14 days due to fears over rising numbers of coronavirus cases in the country.
The Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos and Aruba have also been added to the quarantine list from Saturday.
The decision to include France will cause dismay for thousands of British holidaymakers currently in the country.
It was made in response to the spread of the virus, with the latest 14-day cumulative figures showing 32.1 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in France, compared with 18.5 in the UK.
The move will come as a bitter blow...
