Boris Johnson Is Preparing To Introduce A National Lockdown
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Boris Johnson is making preparations for the potential introduction of a national lockdown - which could be in place as early as next Wednesday (4 November), according to The Times.
The Prime Minister met with Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock to talk about the next steps after data showed that the country's hospitals are becoming overwhelmed.
He is expected to hold a press conference about the new measures on Monday. It is believed that everything could be closed except essential shops and 'educational settings' - these include nurseries, schools and universities.
The Times reports the restrictions - if imposed - could be in place until December 1 with a source telling the publication: "The data is really bad."
They went on to add: "We are seeing coronavirus rising all over the country and hospitals are really struggling to cope."
Earlier this month, Johnson announced a three-tier lockdown system which was introduced in England.
Addressing Parliament, the 56-year-old PM outlined three levels labelled 'Medium', 'High' and 'Very High', explaining how each stage will incorporate different sets of rules depending on how severe the situation is in the given area.
Saying that restrictions have previously been 'complex' to understand and enforce, Johnson said: "We will now simplify and standardise our local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local Covid Alert Levels in England - set at Medium, High and Very High."
The Medium alert level will 'cover most of the country' and consist of the 'current national measures', including the Rule of Six and the closure of hospitality venues at 10pm.
The High alert level 'reflects the interventions in many local areas at the moment', Johnson said, adding: "This primarily aims to reduce household-to-household transmission by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors.
"In these areas, the Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors, where it is harder for the virus to spread in public spaces, as well as private gardens."
We're simplifying and standardising local rules in England by introducing three Local COVID Alert levels, with each level accompanied by proportionate restrictions.
Find out the Local COVID Alert level in your area with the postcode checker: https://t.co/D0fLdDshoe pic.twitter.com/QppGV1Uj94
- Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 13, 2020
Johnson said most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the High alert level, along with Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak - all areas facing rising numbers of cases.
"The Very High alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the NHS could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions," Johnson continued.
"In these areas the government will set a baseline for prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens - and, I'm sorry to say, closing pubs and bars."
