Hello, and welcome to The Times's coronavirus newsletter.
Yesterday, it emerged that Britain could face a Christmas without large family gatherings after Boris Johnson announced tough new coronavirus measures that make it illegal to socialise in groups of more than six.Normal life is unlikely to resume before the spring, the prime minister suggested, as he pinned hopes for an end to restrictions on a "moonshot" mass-testing programme.
Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, prepared people for up to six months of tougher rules as the weather turned cold, warning: "The period between now and spring is going to be difficult."
Meanwhile, employers' groups warned that new grants to help businesses hit by local lockdowns will "not be enough" to prevent some going bust. The government said yesterday that businesses forced to shut under restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 would be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks. Smaller ones with a rates valuation, annual rent or mortgage bill below £51,000 would be eligible for £1,000 every three weeks.
The Treasury said that the measures would offer a "safety net to further protect jobs" and Alok Sharma, the business secretary, said that the money would provide "breathing space" for those that had to temporarily close.
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