Speaking in Parliament Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new series of measures aimed at halting the rise in the number of coronavirus cases.
Face masks will become compulsory for bar staff, shop workers, waiters and taxi drivers with the fine for not wearing a mask going up to £200.
He also called for office workers to work from home where possible and announced that bars and restaurants would have to close at 10pm.
The prime minister said these steps had to be taken now and could remain in place for up to six months.
In Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had gone further and announced a ban on house visits.
