Reuters – Boris Johnson has locked down more than 16 million people in England. And canceled plans to ease restrictions on Christmas on Saturday, stressing that urgent action is needed as the country is facing a new coronavirus that is 70% more epidemic than the original strain.
Even Prime Minister Johnson and the science advisers believe that Vaccines are still effective in preventing COVID. And the new virus did not cause serious illness or an increased risk of death, but insisted the government needed to take urgent measures in the past two weeks. The number of infections in Britain has skyrocketed due to the mutated virus.
Johnson also canceled plans to allow family members to hold home evening activities during the five-day holiday season, saying: London and the southeastern areas of the country that now enforce Level 3 rules, the highest level. It will be changed to a new level 4 rule similar to the previous nationwide lockdown.
There are approximately 16.4 million people under the Level 4 rule, or 1 in 3 people nationwide. Must be kept at home Unless there is a necessity, such as going to work while the store is not necessary And indoor entertainment and recreation facilities must be closed. It is also limited to groups of not more than 2 people and must be outside the building. The new rules are in effect from midnight on Saturday.
On Wednesday past (Dec 16), Johnson had been criticized as Handling the epidemic crisis too late It also opposed calls to change plans to ease the Christmas restrictions, saying the Christmas ban was too harsh.
However, those under Level 4 rules are not allowed to socialize during this time. While people across the country are only allowed to meet with friends and family on Christmas Day.
Kier Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labor Party, tweeted that at this time of crisis, British people need a clear leader. But what got from Boris Johnson was the hesitation and confusion.
Shortly after Johnson’s statement The lonely shop was crowded with customers shopping for Christmas gifts and groceries.
At the same time, other countries in the UK, which many times have adopted COVID policies, are different from the UK. Issued a stronger virus extraction measure as well With Scotland announced on Saturday Do not travel to other countries. In the uk And will relax the rules only on Christmas Day
Wales entered the Level 4 rule from midnight on Saturday, just like England did. But also allowed 2 family members to socialize on Christmas Day.
On the other hand, business leaders are calling on the government to provide emergency financing. Because this new directive is likely to have a severe impact.
Like many other European countries, England is now facing a new round of the coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, 27,052 more infected people were found, a cumulative total of more than 2 million people and 534 deaths, bringing the total to over 67,000.
British Government Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Wallance said the outbreak is now caused by the novel coronavirus, VUI2012 / 01, which has led to a surge in hospital admissions. Unavoidable
Chris Witty, British chief medical officer, said the matter had been reported to the World Health Organization (Hoo) and was continuing to analyze the information. Ready to confirm that At this time there is no evidence to suggest that The new virus can cause severe illness or an increased risk of death. And there is no evidence to suggest that The vaccine is less effective against this new strain of COVID.
Besides England Several other countries have also found the novel coronavirus, including South Africa, who said on Friday that the new virus has now caused a second outbreak.
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