Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with devolved leaders today to create a roadmap through the second wave of Coronavirus.
It was thought the UK nations would take a ‘four nations’ approach; However, much like the first wave, the Scots government believe they must take a different path.
Boris Johnson’s Westminster threats
The Prime Minister was the first of the leaders to speak publically following this mornings COBRA (COBR) meeting with devolved leaders. Addressing the House of Commons, Prime Minister Johnson told ministers that swift and firm action now; but that it could last as long as 6 months.
Ironically telling ministers “A stitch in time saves nine”, the PM hoped that by acting now England can avoid the need for a full second lockdown.
From Thursday in England (Updated).
(To read all changes in detail visit source : Gov.uk)
- Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings.
- Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings.
- Guidance stating that face coverings and visors should be worn in close contact services will now become law. (from 24 September).
- Staff working on public transport and taxi drivers will be advised to wear face coverings.
- Businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), must be closed between 10 pm and 5 am.
- Customers must eat and drink at a table in any premises selling food and drink to consume indoors.
- Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally.
- Businesses and organisations will face stricter rules to make their premises COVID Secure.
- Support groups must be limited to a maximum of 15 people.
- Indoor organised sport for over 18s will no longer be exempt from the rule of six.
A few hours later, Nicola Sturgeon made a heartfelt speech to the Scottish government; with the difference in tone speaking volumes. The adult was talking.
While Johnson attempted to take a Churchillian wartime tone, talking about attacks, weaponry and wars; Sturgeon took a much different approach.
Sturgeons Scots solidarity
The overall tone of Sturgeon’s speech was that of solidarity and frustration. while her words were direct and at time abrupt, they were fair and unlike Johnson, empathetic. The First Minister made a point of saying she will not be threatening people with fines or new laws.
On a slightly more optimistic note for Scots, Sturgeon was able to announce that unlike England she was not planning for six-months of further restrictions. Due to Scotland using stricter lockdown rules the first time around the nation is in a better position than England; Because of this, the First Minister said the stricter restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks.
Sturgeon has opted on short and sharp action, which has worked in the past; and something the Westminster government may have to adapt sooner rather than Lockdown.
From this weekend in Scotland …
(To read all changes in detail visit source : news.scot.gov)
- Like England, People are to work from home where possible.
- Do not meet people from any other households in your home or another person’s home socially, unless they are in your extended household.
- These rules also apply to children.
- Children whose parents do not live in the same household can move between homes, as can non-cohabiting couples.
- Very limited exemptions apply for childcare, and for tradespeople.
- A maximum of six people from two households can meet in outdoor spaces.
- You should limit as far as possible the total number of households you meet in a day.
- Under-12s do not count towards the maximum number of households or the number of people who can meet outdoors. Under-12s do not have to physically distance.
- A maximum of six 12 to 17-year-olds can meet in outdoor spaces, with no household limit.
- A maximum of six people from two households can meet in public indoor spaces such as cafes, pubs and restaurants.
- Children under 12 from those two households do not count towards the limits.
- Pubs, restaurants and all hospitality settings will be required to close at 10 pm.
- Table service will continue to be required in all hospitality premises.
Unlike her Westminster counterpart, the first minister made a point of stopping short at using fines to compel scots into obeying the rules.
The next step
This evening at 8PM, Boris Johnson will address the nation via a pre-recorded statement. This will be followed directly by a statement from Nicola Sturgeon on the Scotland will be taking. Follow Voice Britannia for updates.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and tell us what you think!