Boris Johnson has announced that 'local lockdowns' could be introduced if the coronavirus can't be controlled properly.
The Prime Minister explained this could mean shutting down business venues, closing schools or urging people to stay at home.
During today's media briefing, the 56-year-old explained that a surge in cases could see other areas ending up back in lockdown, as with the current situation in Leicester, explaining: "The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that."
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He outlined an approach to control future local outbreaks which has five principle components - monitoring, engagement, testing, targeted restrictions and finally, as a 'last resort', lockdown.
Elaborating on the final point, Johnson said: "If the previous measures have not proven to be enough, we will introduce local lockdowns extending across whole communities, as in Leicester.
"That could mean shutting down business venues that would otherwise be open, closing schools or urging people, once more, to stay at home.
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"Local lockdowns will be carefully calibrated depending on the scientific specific circumstances of each outbreak and we are continually exploring smarter means of containing the virus."
He continued: "Let me end by looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow there will be a moment of remembrance for those whose lives have tragically been lost before their time and at 5pm on Sunday, the NHS' 72nd birthday, we can all come together to clap those who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to help the nation get through this pandemic.
"I know everyone will be looking forward to the relaxation of national restrictions. As lockdown eases we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country - all of whom are opening their doors for the first time in more than three months."
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He also said the government wouldn't hesitate in 'putting on the breaks and reimposing restrictions' if there is a spike in cases of the virus.
The Prime Minister closed with: "The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them and ultimately, the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.
"Lockdown only succeeded in controlling the virus because everyone worked together and we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together again because we're not out of the woods yet."
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