Coronavirus: Tighter penalties announced for those not following rules

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has today (22 September) announced tighter penalties for those not complying with government measures to curb coronavirus.

The move follows a dramatic increase in the transmission rate of coronavirus, and the possible onset of a second wave in the UK.

In a parliamentary speech, he touched on comments made by scientific advisers that without action, thousands more could be infected with Covid-19 next month.

Johnson commented that recommendations are in ‘no way a return to the lockdown’ from March, and that businesses can stay open in a Covid-compliant way.

His advice is to work from home if possible, despite advice earlier this month to head back to work. The rules apply to those in England, but the PM stressed that the other countries in the UK will follow similar protocols.

Face coverings will be required in an increasing number of places, including by staff in the hospitality and retail sectors, and plans for trails to have the public return to conference and exhibition centres have also been paused.

Johnson’s comments were supported by Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, who said: “It is right that the PM is announcing these measures and the Labour party will support them’.

The PM said that he said that the situation had reached ‘a perilous turning point’ and wished to avoid another national lockdown, conscious of economic impact.

Covid-secure guidance will now become law and the £10,000 fines imposed on those who don’t quarantine will now be applied to businesses, with the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200.

An update from industry body, NHBF, reveals the following requirements for hair and beauty salons:

England: QR poster must be displayed in salons and barbershops

Since 18 September 2020, salons and barbershops in England have been required by law to keep a temporary record of clients and visitors for 21 days and assist NHS ‘Test and Trace’ with requests for contact information if needed. Find out more on the government website.

The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to your venue by scanning the code.

New requirement: You must register for an official NHS QR code and display the official NHS QR poster from 24 September 2020. You must do this even if you are already collecting client contact details, for example, in your appointment book or using salon software.

The information stays on the user’s phone. In England, you do not have to ask people who choose to ‘check in’ using the official NHS QR code to provide their contact details. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice. Find out more about this on the government website.

Goggles: updated information for England

Goggles can now be worn in place of a visor. A Type II face mask must still be worn in addition to goggles or a visor.

The government has updated its advice to say that goggles must be close-fitting with no obvious openings or vents that would otherwise allow droplets to enter the eyes. This means that ordinary glasses are not suitable.

Eviction ban extended for salons and barbershops

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that commercial tenants, which includes hair and beauty salons, barbershops, nail and eyelash bars and tanning shops, will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020, helping businesses to survive and protect jobs.

England: support for redundant apprentices

England’s National Apprenticeship Service has launched a redundancy support service for apprentices. It aims to help apprentices find new opportunities and access local and national support. Find out more.