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Coronavirus

23rd Sep 2020

Almost half of Brits think new lockdown measures don’t go far enough

45 per cent of Brits would prefer new lockdown measures to go further, despite overwhelming support for the rules announced by Boris Johnson

Reuben Pinder

Boris Johnson announced new rules yesterday

There is overwhelming public support for the new lockdown measures announced by Boris Johnson on Tuesday. According to a YouGove pol, 78 per cent of Brits support the new measures, that include making it compulsory for both customers and staff to wear masks in shops.

Just 17 per cent of the population would describe themselves as ‘somewhat opposed’ or ‘strong opposed’ to the new rules.

However, despite this support, 45 per cent of Brits also believe they ‘don’t go far enough’ and should be more severe, with just 32 per cent saying they are ‘about right’.

The new measures were announced on Tuesday by the prime minister, who said they will probably be in place for as long as six months.

The new rules are as follows:

  • It is compulsory for both staff and customers to wear masks in shops, taxis, bars and restaurants and higher fines will be handed out for failing to comply
  • Pubs and restaurants will be ordered to shut no later than 10pm
  • Failing to self-isolate while suffering from symptoms or after testing positive will result in a £10k fine
  • Businesses who fail to follow the rules regarding masks will also be fined £10k
  • Breaking the ‘rule of six’ – socialising in groups of no more than six – will be punishable with a £200 fine
  • Not wearing a mask in a shop/restaurant/pub/ will also lead to a £200 fine

Another notable finding in the YouGove poll was an apparent shift in attitude among young people, who are now more divided, with 59 per cent supporting the measures, compared to the 88 per cent of 18-24-year-olds who supported the initial measures announced in March.

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Coronavirus,News