Preston’s new tougher coronavirus restrictions now in force as face mask fines to rise

From today (Tuesday 22 September) new coronavirus measures have come into place in Preston.

The city, as well as all of Lancashire with the exception of Blackpool, has enhanced Covid-19 regulations to try and slow the spread of the virus.

Preston has seen 1,979 cases in total since March and has seen 185 new cases in the last seven days (up to 19 September).

The restrictions include:

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their household or protective support bubble in private homes or gardens.
Hospitality for food and drink must operate table service only.
Leisure and entertainment venues, including restaurants, pubs and cinemas, must close between 10pm and 5am
Only use public transport for essential journeys – such as travelling to school or work. A face covering must be worn on public transport unless you are exempt.
Avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Preston has been in a local lock-down since Friday 7 August with enhanced measures due to its high infection rate – currently one of the highest in the UK.

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Boris Johnson has announced in the House of Commons that new national restrictions which will come into force in the next week in England.

These are to include:
– Office workers who can work from home should do so.

– Pubs, bars and restaurants in England will be ordered to close by 10pm each night.

– The hospitality sector will be restricted to table service only.

– Face coverings must be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles, and by retail staff while at work.

– Customers in indoor hospitality will also have to wear face coverings – except while seated at a table to eat or drink.

– The exemptions to the rule of six will be reduced, banning indoor team sport – such as indoor five-a-side football matches.

– The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1.

– Wedding ceremonies and receptions will be capped at 15 people from Monday. There is no change to the maximum number of people at a funeral, which is 30.

The rule of six, where you can only meet six people in a gathering, is remaining in force and the fine for breaking it is being doubled from the minimum £100 to £200. The rule of six does not apply in local lockdown areas, like Preston, where you should not socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.

The fine for refusing to wear a face mask in a setting which requires it will also double to £200.

Boris Johnson is set to announce the restrictions in full tonight (Tuesday 22 September) in an address to the nation at 8pm.

See the Preston City Council FAQ for exact Q&A on what you can, and can’t do, under the restrictions.

What do you think of the new restrictions? Let us know in the comments below