Boris Johnson announces new lockdown measures for England and extension of furlough scheme
The Prime Minister has announced a series of new lockdown measures that will come into effect from midnight on Thursday.
The restrictions are set to last until at least December 2.
Mr Johnson also announced that the furlough scheme will be extended until December.
Speaking during the Downing Street press briefing, Mr Johnson said: "Now is the time to take action because there is no alternative."
Under the new restrictions, all pubs, restaurants, leisure facilities and entertainment venues are to close. However, takeaways and deliveries will be permitted. All non-essential shops will close, but supermarkets won't fence off non-essential goods.
All indoor household mixing will be banned and people will only be allowed to meet outdoors in a public space with one other person from outside their household - meetings in private gardens will also be banned.
Stay at home advice is returning, meaning people will only be able to venture outdoors for education, work - if they cannot work from home - exercise and recreation.
Other exceptions include leaving the house for medical reasons and to escape injury or harm.
Support bubbles are allowed to continue.
However, schools, colleges and universities will remain open, as will manufacturing, construction and parliament.
Places of worship will only be allowed to open for private prayer, meaning services will be banned.
International travel out of the country, except for essential work reasons, will be banned and anyone returning to England will be forced to quarantine for two weeks.
Use of public transport will still be allowed for those going to work but they are being encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.
Referring to the furlough scheme, Mr Johnson said: "I'm under no illusions about how difficult this will be for businesses which have already had to endure such hardship this year and I'm truly, truly sorry for that - and that's why we're going to extend the furlough system through November.
"The furlough system was a success in the spring, it supported people in businesses in a critical time. We will not end it, we will extend furlough until December."
"Christmas will be very different this year but it's my sincere belief that by taking tough action now, people will be able to see each other," he added.
"From Thursday, the basic message is the same - stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives," he said.