The 8 new lockdown rules confirmed from Boris Johnson ahead of address to nation tonight

And he warned that the new curbs could last for six months – taking them well beyond Christmas – “unless we palpably make progress”.

The Prime Minister also announced tougher enforcement measures, with businesses facing fines or closure for failing to comply with coronavirus rules and people facing £200 penalties for failing to wear masks where required or breaching the so-called “rule of six”.

He set out measures for England in the House of Commons but stressed that all parts of the UK were united in the need for decisive action to prevent the virus getting out of control.

Mr Johnson told MPs: “We always knew that while we might have driven the virus into retreat, the prospect of a second wave was real.

“I’m sorry to say that, as in Spain and France and many other countries, we have reached a perilous turning point.”

Measures set out by Mr Johnson to limit the spread of the virus included:

– Office workers who can work from home should do so.

– Pubs, bars and restaurants in England will be ordered to close by 10pm each night from Thursday.

– The hospitality sector will be restricted to table service only from Thursday.

– Face coverings must be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles, and by retail staff while at work.

– Customers in indoor hospitality will also have to wear face coverings – except while seated at a table to eat or drink.

– The exemptions to the rule of six will be reduced, banning indoor team sport – such as indoor five-a-side football matches.

– The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1.

– Wedding ceremonies and receptions will be capped at 15 people from Monday, but up to 30 will still be able to attend a funeral.

Setting out tougher penalties for those who “brazenly defy” the restrictions, Mr Johnson said £10,000 fines would be applied to businesses breaking the rules.

The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence.

He indicated troops could be brought in to free up the police to focus on enforcing coronavirus rules.

“We will provide the police and local authorities with the extra funding they need, a greater police presence on our streets, and the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police,” he said.

The Prime Minister insisted the measures did not amount to a second lockdown.

“This is by no means a return to the full lockdown of March, we’re not issuing a general instruction to stay at home, we will ensure that schools, colleges and universities stay open because nothing is more important than the education, health and wellbeing of our young people,” he said.

“I must emphasise that if all our actions failed to bring the R below one then we reserve the right to deploy greater firepower with significantly greater restrictions,” he warned.