NEW rules are coming in as the Government announced England's latest lockdown changes today.

Boris Johnson's update to the nation came as millions were told of new local lockdowns in northern England coronavirus hot-spots.

People in Greater Manchester, and parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire were plunged into chaos overnight as new Covid-19 restrictions were brought in.

The ban took effect from midnight and prohibit people from meeting other households in all indoor settings, including private homes and gardens.

At a press conference this afternoon, the Prime Minister outlined the reason for the new lockdowns, saying he had warned the Government would act "swiftly and decisively" to stamp out local outbreaks - and more areas could follow.

The Argus: The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced fresh changes today - and postponed others The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced fresh changes today - and postponed others

He also announced rule changes affecting all of England, declaring face coverings would be compulsory in more indoor settings including cinemas and churches.

He postponed reopening of more settings including ice rinks, casinos and bowling alleys for another fortnight, along with wedding receptions of more than 30 people.

He also put off reopening close-contact services - meaning beauty treatments like brows and facials due to restart tomorrow must be cancelled.

England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warned the UK had potentially "reached the limit" of how much society could reopen, as infections rise once again.

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Here are the key changes and rules you need to know about from tomorrow:

All these venues are able to remain open in most of England providing they can show they are "Covid-secure":

  • Hotels and B&Bs
  • Holiday apartments or homes
  • Cottages or bungalows
  • Campsites
  • Caravan parks
  • Boarding houses
  • Places of worship
  • Libraries
  • Community centres
  • Restaurants, cafes and workplace canteens
  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • Gyms
  • Cinemas
  • Nail bars
  • Beauty salons
  • Swimming pools, lidos and water parks
  • Bingo halls
  • Theatres and concert halls - but on the basis it’s not a live performance. They can only screen past performances for example
  • Museums and galleries
  • Hair salons and barbers
  • Outdoor playgrounds
  • Outdoor gyms
  • Funfairs
  • Theme parks
  • Adventure parks and activities
  • Amusement arcades
  • Other indoor leisure centres and facilities - including indoor gaming, social clubs, model villages, and indoor attractions at aquariums and zoos

Face coverings and masks

Face masks will be compulsory in more indoor spaces, in one of the biggest changes announced today affecting all of England.

The coverings are already mandatory on public transport, unless you have a medical reason or disability that allows you to be exempt from the rules.

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That includes conditions like asthma, and also people accompanying someone with a condition who needs to be able to lip-read their companion.

From August 8 the new rules will become law, and will required face coverings be worn in indoor settings where it is difficult to practise social distancing - including cinemas, galleries and houses of worship like churches.

The PM will ask police to crack down harder on those breaking the rules.

You can visit cinemas, galleries and museums - but not have a big wedding reception

Wedding receptions of more than 30 people have been banned throughout England with just 12 hours notice.

Rules were set to change from August 1 in England to allow small, socially-distanced receptions of up to 30 people.

However, the move was one of those postponed for at least two weeks today by Boris Johnson. 

The PM also postponed the reopening of more indoor gatherings and businesses that were due to restart tomorrow.

Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and remaining close contact services must remain closed, he said.

Indoor performances will not resume - ruling out live music, theatre, and dance, and indoor classes.

Larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will also remain off limits.

What you still can't do anywhere in England: 

  • Large wedding receptions 
  • Attend sports matches in a large crowd 
  • Big gigs 
  • Nightclubs 
  • Casino 
  • Bowling alleys and skating rinks 
  • Indoor play areas including soft play 
  • Massage parlours 
  • Indoor fitness and dance studios 
  • Conference centres, other than people who already work there
  • You can visit friends and family indoors - but you still can't hug