Johnson said that it is time to “squeeze the brake pedal”.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday (31 July) that plans to ease lockdown restrictions in England this weekend have been delayed.
Leisure businesses such as casinos and bowling alleys were expected to reopen as of tomorrow (1 August), but that date has been pushed back until at least 15 August.
Johnson also announced that the decision to make face coverings mandatory in public areas has also been extended.
As of 8 August, members of the public will be obliged to wear them in indoor venues such as museums, galleries and cinemas.
The decision to allow weddings to have up to 30 guests is also being reversed.
It was also announced on Friday morning that in the north of England, including parts of Manchester and Lancashire, people are not allowed visit each other in each other’s homes.
Johnson said: “I’m really, really sorry about that, but we just cannot take the risk.”
These actions have come following a sharp spike in cases in parts of the UK.
On Thursday night, Ireland also saw a rise in cases, with 85 people being diagnosed with the virus, the biggest daily rise in 10 weeks.
The spike in Ireland has resulted in doubt being cast over whether all pubs will reopen on 10 August, with acting CMO Ronan Glynn saying the country’s focus “has to be on public health.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
