NATIONAL LOCKDOWN: Prime Minister announces strict new measures to tackle coronavirus
- by Emilio Sims
- in Money
- — Jan 5, 2021
Since discovering the new coronavirus variant, several countries have restricted travel coming in from the United Kingdom to prevent the spread of the virus.
The regulations are expected to be laid before Parliament on Tuesday, with MPs retrospectively being given a vote after they are recalled early from the Christmas break on Wednesday.
A Number 10 spokesperson said: "The spread of the new variant of Covid-19 has led to rapidly escalating case numbers across the country".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that "schools are safe" amid calls for all schools in England to be closed for at least two weeks.
Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue delivery or takeaway, but people will not be able to add alcohol to that order.
The prime minister's statement came after the chief medical officers for the first time raised the United Kingdom to Level 5 - the highest - on the Covid-19 alert system.
The alert level is based on a recommendation by the Joint Biosecurity Centre to the four chief medical officers.
On Monday Matt Hancock suggested some of these areas with rising coronavirus cases could face tougher restrictions in the coming days or weeks. More school closures, curfews and the total banning of household mixing could be on the agenda.
Health experts are increasingly concerned about two new, fast-spreading variants of the virus - one which was first identified in the United Kingdom and another from South Africa.
Opposition leader, Keir Starmer, said Johnson could no longer wait before imposing a tougher nationwide lockdown.
Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new lockdown for Scotland
He is expected to outline new emergency measures to control the growing spread of coronavirus across the country.
He hoped "tens of millions" would be treated over the next three months.
Dialysis patient Brian Pinker on Monday received the first vaccination outside of a trial.
A wave of emotion followed on social media moments after Mr Johnson made his announcement, many in despair over the current state of affairs in a country that has the fifth most cases across the globe.
"Each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled".
Ministers have come under fire from teaching unions for pushing ahead with plans to reopen schools in most parts of England.
Education unions have urged the Government to "pause" a return to the classroom until the safety of staff and pupils can be guaranteed.
Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.
Despite declaring schools "safe" only yesterday, Mr Johnson has now said that all schools - primary, secondary and colleges - are to close.
