British lockdown until December 2. Johnson says there is no other alternative

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson intends to assure MPs that the nationwide lockdown, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, will end on December 2, Sky News revealed on Sunday evening.

Earlier on Sunday, Michael Gove, an influential minister in his cabinet, indicated that the lockdown could be extended beyond December 2.

A large group of Conservative MPs are dissatisfied with Johnson’s announcement on Saturday and intend to vote against their own government on Saturday. In turn, the opposition Labor Party criticizes the prime minister that the decision is delayed.

Johnson will explain to the House of Commons on Monday why he has taken this step. As Sky News reveals, he will say that “there is no alternative” to the second lockdown, but also will defend the current strategy of regional differentiation of restrictions depending on the level of infections. He will also try to reassure Conservative MPs who are concerned about Gove’s words.

At the end of these four weeks, on Wednesday 2 December, we will try to ease the restrictions by returning locally and regionally to a three-tier system (restrictions) in line with the latest data and trends Johnson is to say.

Our scientists’ models suggest that if we do not act now, we will see a number of deaths in winter that will be twice as much as in the first wave, or even more. With these most recent data, there is no option but to take further action at national level – the British Prime Minister will argue.

Johnson also intends to argue that he was right to opt for a regional approach, rather than introducing a short lockdown last month to stop the epidemic as his scientific advisers have recommended.

I know some in this House think we should have made that decision sooner, but I believe it was right to try every possible option to contain this virus locally, with strong local action and strong local leadership the prime minister is to say.

The restrictions announced by Johnson will be slightly milder than in the initial phase of the first lockdown. As then, there will be a recommendation to stay at home except for compelling reasons such as work if it cannot be done remotely, study, essential shopping, caring for someone in need, and exercise. People from different households will not be able to meet in closed rooms (except for a few specific cases, such as childcare or “support bubbles” created by people living alone). In open spaces it will be possible to meet only one person outside the household.

All pubs, bars and restaurants will be closed, although they will still be able to operate in the take-away and delivery system, as well as all shops, except those selling basic necessities. Contrary to the restrictions introduced at the end of March in response to the first wave of the epidemic, learning in schools and universities will continue to take place in a residential system, not remotely, and industrial plants and construction sites may continue to operate. There will be no limits when it comes to leaving home for individual physical activity, professional sports competitions will continue to take place. There will also be no recommendation for people who are particularly vulnerable to disease due to illnesses to stay at home constantly.