"By no means a return to the full lockdown of March," says PM.
- Schools and unis to stay open
- Businesses can "stay open in a Covid-compliant way"
- But office workers who can stay home should do so
- Pubs, restaurants, bars must be table service from Thur & 10pm curfew
- Staff in retail, hospitality etc must wear face coverings
- Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations with fines
- Only 15 people at weddings; 30 at funerals
- Plans to have spectators at sports on Oct 1 now scrapped.
- But people who were shielding earlier in the year are told they don't need to return to doing so, except in local lockdown situations.
- These restrictions expected "for perhaps 6 months".
Govt won't listen to "those who say let the virus rip", nor to those who urge "permanent lockdown", says PM.
Sir Keir Starmer responding, pledged cross-party approach. But after experience in other areas, asks whether these restrictions will be effective - and if not, when will further measures be necessary?
Starmer asks about jobs and says "withdrawing the furlough scheme in one fell swoop would be a disaster".
These restricitons are necessary "but were not inevitable", says Starmer. Says govt didn't act quickly enough on calls to expand testing system. A second national lockdown would be a "huge failure of govt".
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey asks what will be done for the millions "on the brink" of losing their jobs or businesses. "What is the new plan?"
PM says "the plan is that we shall continue to keep the economy moving".
Caroline Lucas of the Green Party calls for more help for hospitality and arts, and asks for meeting to discuss those self-employed who have had no help so far.
PM says govt has helped "every conceivable" sector & will do more.
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