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Following several other countries in Europe, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced a partial shutdown for England. Starting next Thursday, only schools and universities will remain open, Johnson said.
All other venues, such as cultural institutions, sports centers, non-essential shops, as well as restaurants and pubs, must close by December 2. Out-of-home sales should continue to be allowed for the catering industry.
“The virus is currently spreading faster than our scientific advisers assumed in the worst case scenario,” Johnson said. “Now is the time to act because there is no alternative.” The media had previously reported on the government’s plans. According to the Reuters news agency, English people should only leave home to work, play sports, go shopping or go to school or university.
Most of the deaths from Covid-19 in Europe already
The measures are necessary to save lives and prevent the NHS from being overloaded again. The head of government swore that the British would only leave their homes in urgent cases, such as work, sports, shopping or caring for relatives.
On Saturday, Britain reported almost 22,000 new infections. The country broke one million confirmed coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. In the past two weeks, the UK had 451 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Britain has the highest number of corona deaths in Europe with more than 46,000 deaths.
If the virus continues to spread uncontrollably, the situation could be much worse than recently feared, according to the government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage). The worst-case scenario resolved in July led to another 85,000 deaths in a second wave of winter infections. Without great restrictions, the value could even be exceeded.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own rules. Much stricter temporary crown measures already exist there than in England.
The UK last imposed exit restrictions in March and April. Citizens were only allowed to leave the house to run important errands. Boris Johnson himself was ill with Covid-19 at the end of March. He initially spoke of “mild symptoms” on Twitter. Nine days after the positive result, he had to be hospitalized and was even treated in the intensive care unit.
