RUSHES: Coronavirus: Government delays further lockdown easing as numbers of Covid-19 cases increase: Boris Johnson press conference

Coronavirus: Government delays further lockdown easing as numbers of Covid-19 cases increase: Boris Johnson press conference; Clip 2 of 5 ENGLAND: London: Downing Street: Number 10: INT Boris Johnson MP (Prime Minister) press conference SOT - Today, I’m afraid of what the spring, those changes for at least a fortnight. That means until the 15th of August at the earliest, casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and the remaining close contact services must remain closed. Indoor performances will not resume. Pilots of larger crowds and sports venues and conference centers will not take place. Wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be committed, but ceremonies of course can continue to take place in line with COVID secure guidelines. I know that the steps that we’re taking will be a real blow to many people, to everyone, obviously, whose wedding plans have been disrupted or who cannot know and celebrate Eid in the way that they would wish. I’m really, really sorry about that. But we simply cannot take the risk. We will, of course, study the data carefully and move forward with our intention to open up as soon as we possibly can. Two weeks ago, I also said that from tomorrow, the government would give employers more discretion over how employees can work safely, whether by continuing to work from home or attending a COVID secure workplace. We know that employers have gone to huge lengths to make workplaces safe, so that guidance remains unchanged. We also said that we would pause shielding nationally from the 1st of August, based on clinical advice. That national pause will proceed as planned and our medical experts will be explaining more about that decision and about the shielded group later today. Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their best to control the virus. But we must keep our discipline and our focus and we cannot be complacent. I’ve asked the Home Secretary to work with the police and others to ensure the rules,...