On Friday 20 March 2020, the Government announced new stricter measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time as announcing a major financial scheme to mitigate the economic impact, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres must close. When questioned by the press about how this would be enforced, he said this could be done through the licensing scheme already in place. It appears over the weekend, certainly in England, there has been uniform compliance with this order.
For many businesses in these sectors hoping to claim on their insurance policies, these measures should make the position clearer at least in the sense there is now no doubt that a restriction of a public authority has been imposed. There remain of course other barriers to cover. We have already advised clients in a number of sectors to issue notices to insurers. With the Government and FCA urging insurers to treat customers fairly in this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, we can assist you with preparing an appropriately worded notification and advice on your claim.
Practical guidance for COVID-19
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