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Parts of England will be divided into “medium”, “high” or “very high” Covid-19 local alert areas under a new three-tier system that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday.
The classification of areas will determine what type of “appropriate interventions” will be carried out to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
The move comes after Johnson held a conference call with Cabinet colleagues Sunday to discuss the situation.
Downing Street said the government is working with local leaders to determine the areas that will be covered by the very high alert level and the necessary measures in those places.
Johnson will chair a high-level committee meeting on Monday on the issue “to determine final interventions” that he will then announce to parliament.
MPs will be asked to debate and vote on the measures later this week.
The prime minister will also hold a press conference in Downing Street with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and medical director Professor Chris Whitty on Monday.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Our primary focus has always been to protect lives and livelihoods while controlling the spread of the virus and these measures will help achieve that goal.
“We must do everything we can to protect the NHS and ensure that it can continue to provide the essential services on which so many depend.
“This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance that we have set out to help contain the virus.”
Downing Street highlighted the scope of the discussions with local leaders over the weekend following criticism from some northern authorities and mayors that not enough consultations had taken place since the crisis began.
Downing Street said Number 10’s senior advisers and community secretary Robert Jenrick held talks with local officials and mayors of “the areas of greatest concern.” – PA
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