Britain's new coronavirus curbs could last 6 months

There could be more restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 if the additional steps fail to bring down the reproduction number of the disease. PHOTO: AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed new restrictions that could last six months and told people to work from home if possible, saying the country is at a "perilous turning point" for the coronavirus.

Under new measures announced yesterday for England, face coverings will become mandatory for passengers travelling in taxis and workers in the hospitality and retail sectors, with tougher fines for people failing to wear masks.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 23, 2020, with the headline Britain's new coronavirus curbs could last 6 months. Subscribe