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The new strain of coronavirus “appears to be transmitted much more easily,” Johnson said on television. Preliminary data suggest that its infectivity may reach 70%. higher than the most common varieties prevailing so far, the prime minister said.
He called for new restrictions to be imposed on Sunday in London and the southeast of England, where “fourth level rules” will apply, “people from these regions must stay home” until at least December 30.
The goal is to slow the spread of the latest coronavirus in areas where it has not yet spread.
The new measures mean that around a third of England’s population will not be able to travel and meet other people at Christmas.
Last week, Johnson said it would be “inhumane” to “cancel Christmas” by banning family reunification but urging people to limit themselves to small gatherings.
“With a heavy heart, I must tell you that we will not be able to continue Christmas as planned,” Johnson told the nation.
The number of infections and daily hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in Britain has increased this month.
“The virus has accelerated, it is moving fast and this will inevitably lead to a sudden increase in hospitalizations,” said Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser.
27,052 new cases of coronavirus infection were reported in the UK every day on Saturday, slightly fewer than on Friday.
In London and other affected regions, including Kent, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, non-essential shops, sports clubs, cinemas, bowling clubs, casinos, hair salons and nail salons will be closed.
No more than two people from different households will be allowed to gather in public places outdoors.
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