Boris Johnson announces new lockdown restrictions may last for six months

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new measures, due to take force on Thursday, as Coronavirus rates soar.

Boris Johnson has warned plans may go on for "perhaps six months", as from Thursday, all hospitality, experience retail and leisure venues in England will be forced by law to close between 10pm and 5am.

From Monday, staff in shops and hospitality venues will be forced by law to wear a face covering. Meanwhile the fine for breaking the 'rule of six' will rise from £100 to £200.

Johnson added: "If we fail to act together now, we will not only place others at risk, but jeopardise our own futures with the drastic action we would inevitably be forced to take."

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician and SAGE attendee, told MPs the COVID-19 spread was no longer just contained to local outbreaks.

"At the moment we have a national in England largely national pandemic, but one which is concentrated in urban areas", he said.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove confirmed there will also be "a shift in emphasis", with people encouraged to work from home again where possible.

Only two weeks ago, it was suggested that the UK may "regain a sense of normality" by possibly introducing 20 minute testing to offer the equivalent of a COVID-19 passport.