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Curfew could be put in place across the country as ‘second peak’ threatens Christmas
JUST IN.
Boris Johnson will be making an announcement today confirming the new law effective Monday that makes gatherings of more than six people illegal, and a national curfew could be put in place.
This comes following a significant spike in Covid-19 cases, with almost 8,5000 positive tests being recording in England in the past three days.
Ministers are also considering a national curfew, according to the Telegraph, similar to those rules recently imposed in Bolton.
The new rules in Bolton, unveiled by Matt Hancock, bars people from socialising outside of their household. It comes due to the Greater Manchester borough’s high Covid infection rate, 120 cases per 100,000.
Speaking of the new measures which were imposed with immediate effect, Hancock said: “We will restrict all hospitality to takeaway only, and will introduce a late-night restriction of operating hours which will mean all venues will be required to close from 10pm to 5am.
“We’ll introduce urgently further measures that put the current guidance that people cannot socialise outside their household into law.”
The Conservative leader of Bolton Council, councillor David Greenhalgh, said the measures were: “…not something we want to do but it is clear the virus is currently moving round the borough uncontrolled and so we need to halt the transmission rate”.
Greater Manchester now has the highest rate of infections in the country, reportedly due to young adults mixing in pubs and restaurants and ignoring social distancing rules, according to The Telegraph’s reports on Government data.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Government, chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser have jointly agreed that urgent action is necessary after seeing the number of daily positive cases rise to almost 3,000 recently.”
Additionally, police chiefs urged ministers to simplify the rules to make them easier to implement.
It is expected the Prime Minister will say: “We are strengthening the rules on social contact, making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.”
“It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others and getting a test if you have symptoms.”
The new national rules will see £100 fines for those who break them and meet in groups greater than six people, indoors or outdoors. The fine will double for each repeat offence to a maximum of £3,200.
Repeated refusal to pay any fine is a criminal offence and can result in a court appearance, and ultimately could lead to a prison sentence.
The coronavirus case totals exceeded 350,000 and has been the highest since May, with Covid-related deaths hitting 32, the highest the UK has seen in weeks.
Matt Hancock has warned ministers that the UK is on the brink of a ‘second peak’. Adding: “Each and every citizen has a responsibility to follow social distancing and help stop a second peak.”
Scientists have warned that restrictions will need to be in place until the end of the year, which could potentially threaten Christmas celebrations.
A member of the Government’s SAGE advisory boar, John Edmunds, said: “The epidemic continues to increase and then we have Christmas.
“And that is very difficult. What is Christmas? Well it’s meeting with your family very close. Restaurants and pubs and stuff like that.
“It’s all high risk. And it’s all indoors.”
Prof Whitty said: “We have, through the extraordinary efforts of the whole population, got Covid rates right down.
“They are now rising again, especially in those aged 17 to 29. If we stop social distancing, Covid comes back.”
Earlier this week, Mr Hancock blasted young people, warning them not to ‘kill your gran’.
In parallel with the press conference later today, the government is expected to launch a new public information campaign starting Wednesday to reiterate ‘handwashing and mask use’.
A boy has been left in critical condition in hospital following an incident with a police van last night.
The 11-year-old was struck by a police van in Lancaster on Thursday night, May 25th, as the van was attending a call.
Lancashire Police say the vehicle was en route to an emergency call when the collision happened.
The boy was crossing Owen Road just before 8:30 pm when he was hit, and was transported to Royal Lancaster Infirmary in a critical condition.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this time.
“An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances that led to the collision.
“We have voluntarily referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard with an incident of this nature.”
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The IOPC said in a statement: “We have declared an independent investigation into the actions of Lancashire Police prior to a road traffic collision in Owen Road, Lancaster at around 8.30pm tonight, in which a child has been injured.
“We understand that a marked police van, with its lights and sirens on, was in a collision with an 11-year-old boy.
“We were notified by the force shortly after the collision and declared an investigation at 10.37pm. IOPC investigators are heading to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering information.”
According to the IOPC, the investigation is in its early stages.
News
Sam Smith cancels upcoming shows due to ‘vocal cord injury’ and tells fans ‘I’m so sorry’
‘Refunds will be available at point of purchase for all three dates; Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow’
Sam Smith has cancelled their upcoming shows due to a vocal cord injury and issued a statement telling fans, ‘I’m so sorry’.
The singer had to call off their Gloria Tour show, mid-way through, at Manchester AO Arena last night (Wednesday May 24th) after experiencing ‘vocal issues’.
The lights went off and fans waited in darkness for a number of minutes as speculation circulated on social media, with many wondering if there had been a ‘power cut’.
Moments later, after just four songs, a packed-out arena was told the show unfortunately had to be called off.
Afterwards, Sam, 31, issued a statement on their Instagram stories to tell fans — who had missed out on a ‘surprise’ that was supposed to be at the end of the show — how ‘sorry’ they were.
Today, Thursday May 25th, the ‘Unholy’ singer has issued another statement after calling off upcoming gigs.
On their Instagram stories, the star wrote: “Due to vocal issues during last night’s Manchester performance, regrettably we will be cancelling the rescheduled Birmingham and Glasgow Sam Smith shows.
“Refunds will be available at point of purchase for all three dates; Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
“A spokesperson said ‘Doctors have advised due to a vocal cord injury, Sam must have complete vocal rest’.
“Sam is heartbroken to have had to cancel these shows but they have been told by doctors that if they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice.
“If they take some rest they will be able to perform again. I’m so sorry.”
Sam already had to push back the Birmingham and Glasgow gigs after suffering from a virus several weeks ago.
After calling off last night’s show at Manchester’s AO Arena, Sam wrote on their Instagram story: “Today in soundcheck I felt fine and was so excited to give Manchester an amazing show tonight, with a special surprise at the end.
“During my third song, I noticed something wrong with my voice. I prayed it was just my voice waking up for the show but into the fourth song I could feel something was really wrong.”
The pop singer added: “I came off stage and have tried everything to get my voice back in gear but it won’t.
“I am honestly heartbroken I couldn’t finish the show tonight for you all. I love you all. I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry.”
News
Body found in river in search for missing 24-year-old woman
Shannon’s family have been informed
A body has been found in a river in the search for a missing woman from Lancashire.
Police searching for Shannon Canning from Lancaster say they have found a body. The 24-year-old had been missing from home since the early hours of Friday May 19th.
A search operation was launched to find the young woman who did not turn up for work at Tipple bar on Friday afternoon.
Public appeals for help were launched by her family and the police force, who said they were concerned for her welfare as the disappearance was out of character.
Lancashire Police have confirmed the body of a woman was found in the River Lune near Halton on Wednesday afternoon, May 24th. Shannon’s family has been informed.
Patrols were increased during the week and specialist divers joined the search yesterday. Officers were called at around 4.20pm Wednesday afternoon when the discovery was made.
A statement from Lancashire Police said: “Sadly, officers searching for missing Shannon Canning have an update, following a body recovered from the River Lune.
“We can confirm that we were called today (May 24th) at around 4:20pm to a report that a body had been found in the River Lune, near Halton.
“Specialist search teams have subsequently attended the area and can sadly confirm that the body of a woman has been recovered.
“Although formal identification has yet to take place, we believe the body to be that of missing Shannon Canning.
“Shannon’s family have been made aware of this sad development and our thoughts are with them at this upsetting time.”
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Sam Smith cancels upcoming shows due to ‘vocal cord injury’ and tells fans ‘I’m so sorry’
Body found in river in search for missing 24-year-old woman
