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Coronavirus news – live: Experts warn pubs may need to close again to halt second wave and lockdown lifting is delayed

People sit with drinks outside a pub in the centre of Manchester, 31 July 2020: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
People sit with drinks outside a pub in the centre of Manchester, 31 July 2020: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

Boris Johnson has delayed a planned easing of England’s lockdown restrictions for at least two weeks amid a rise in coronavirus cases.

The prime minister on Friday announced casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and remaining close-contact services must remain closed, while indoor performances and pilots of larger crowds in sports venues will not take place. Plans to allow wedding receptions of up to 30 people were also postponed.

He also announced face coverings will be mandatory in more indoor settings, including museums, cinemas and places of worship from 8 August, and shielding has been paused for the clinically vulnerable in England and Scotland from Saturday.

It comes after tougher measures were introduced in parts of Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and east Lancashire in northern England, banning people from different households meeting indoors or in gardens following a spike in virus cases.