Boris Johnson reportedly gears up to impose a nationwide lockdown as early as Wednesday as hospitals across England are overwhelmed
Restrictions could see everything but nurseries, schools, universities and essential stores close until December 1, according to The Times
The newspaper reports that the Prime Minister held a meeting this afternoon with senior cabinet ministers Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock
Ministers are said to have felt they « had no choice but to apply national restrictions » following grim data from government scientists
Documents from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) released on Friday showed that Covid-19 was spreading much faster across England than the worst-case scenario government predicted for cases and admissions to the hospital
Sage had estimated 85,000 deaths from coronavirus during the winter, but an official document dated October 14 and released today reveals that we are in a worse situation than expected
Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam reportedly warned ministers on Thursday morning that the coronavirus was « out of control »
Times deputy political editor Steven Swinford tweeted: ‘I’m told some projections circulating in Whitehall suggest that without meaningful interventions there will be a big spike in deaths around Christmas Eve
« Ministers hope the national lockdown measures, which are expected to last just under a month, will help suppress the spread »
Scientists briefing the government have reportedly pushed for a month-long lockdown similar to what was imposed in France, saying it was the only way to save Christmas and prevent hospitals from running out of beds
The country entered strict lockdown tonight Schools will remain open but non-essential businesses will have to close, travel between regions will be banned and people will only be able to leave their homes for work, medical reasons and one hour of exercise per day
President Emmanuel Macron said it was necessary to « apply the breaks brutally » to avoid being « overwhelmed by the accelerating epidemic »
The move put increased pressure on Boris Johnson, who has resisted calls for a nationwide lockdown in favor of a regional tiered approach
The PM has reportedly been warned that delaying the lockdown could ‘backfire’ and hospitals in England will be full by December 17 unless he takes further action
He is expected to address the nation on Monday, when he announces a nationwide lockdown closing all but essential stores and « educational establishments »
A high-level government source told The Times no final decisions have been made, with ministers also considering plans to implement a level four of restrictions shutting down non-essential restaurants and stores
However, officials are said to be in favor of a national approach as cases continue to rise despite regional lockdowns in many parts of the country
Coronavirus, Lockdown, Boris Johnson, UK
News from around the world – GB – Boris Johnson « preparing to impose national lockdown from next week »
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
