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Millions of Britons could be on the brink of new coronavirus restrictions, with the UK’s deputy chief medical officer warning that the nation has reached a similar “tipping point” before the nationwide lockdown began in March.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson make a statement to lawmakers on Monday amid expectations that a three-tier local lockdown system will be introduced across England. Parts of northern England are expected to face the toughest restrictions, which may include the closure of some hospitality venues and, according to the Sun newspaper, a request not to travel outside of local areas.
“We are at an inflection point similar to that of March; but we can prevent history repeating itself if we all act, ”said UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam, wrote in an op-ed on Sunday. “This time it is different, as we are now entering the coldest and darkest winter months.”
With huge swings in infection rates across the country, a localized approach remains the best way forward, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News on Sunday, adding that no one wants to see blanket measures across the globe. United Kingdom. He declined to comment on the details Monday’s announcement.
Economical support
Anticipating new brakes, the government on Friday presented more financial support for workers in areas affected by local closures, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, pledged to pay two-thirds of the salaries of employees at companies forced to close.
That same day, two major studies showed that the virus has risen in the UK; The Office for National Statistics said the infection rate nearly doubled in the week to October 1, and Imperial College London estimated that there were around 45,000 new infections each day in the period from September 18 to September 18. October 5th. The Imperial College report, based on evidence from 175,000 volunteers, identified an eight-fold increase in infections in people 65 and older compared to the previous period from August 20 to September 8.
A survey of Ipsos MORI showed on Sunday that the public strongly supports the restrictions, with seven in 10 Britons backing local closures in areas where coronavirus cases are increasing.
The poll, based on interviews with about 1,900 people from October 9-10, showed that 63% are in favor of limiting social gatherings to no more than six people from two households. Six in 10 people supported a ban on all travel in and out of the UK
More control
The British public is more divided on the closure of all restaurants, pubs and bars, with 43% in favor and 37% against. The same happened when respondents were asked about another complete national lockdown, with 40% against and 43% in favor of the measure.
Still, the government’s approach is coming under fire from local lawmakers in the north of England, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham laments the lack of communication from officials.
“Being summoned to a meeting with 10 Downing Street on a Friday night, for proposals to be presented to me that had to be agreed over the weekend, I mean that it is not an appropriate or acceptable consultation for me,” he said Times Radio. on Sunday. “That is being directed to a position. Everything has come too late. “
The Sunday Times reported that UK Mayors will be given more control over the coronavirus testing and tracing system as the government tries to secure its support. Under plans being discussed between Downing Street and mayors, ministers will empower city council leaders to deploy new local volunteers to go door to door and ask people to isolate themselves, according to the newspaper.
(Add comments from Jenrick, Burnham from the fourth paragraph)
