Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country will be going to a new hard lockdown from November 5 until December 2. This is an attempt by the UK government to curb the number of infections that are rapidly growing.
The UK has passed over 1 million coronavirus cases and the government are concerned that a sudden spike will overwhelm hospitals with devastating results for the country. The lockdown is being put in place to help hospital capacity to cope with the cases expected over a longer period of time.
“Doctors and nurses would be forced to choose which patients to treat, who would get oxygen and who wouldn’t, who would live and who would die,” Johnson told reporters.
Under the new regulations, all traveling will be banned including international travel. Residents are only allowed to leave their home for work or education purposes. Visiting and overnight stays will also be put on hold.
Pubs, bars, and restaurants will be closed for a month under the clampdown but takeaways and delivery services can still operate.
Currently, this lockdown will only apply to England, with Scotland and Wales considering their lockdown options as cases increase.
“Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together,” said Johnson.
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