Covid 19 coronavirus: Londoners flock to train stations to flee the lockdown zone

Londoners have been seen flooding the city’s train stations to escape new lockdown restrictions announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Johnson revealed on Saturday afternoon (local time) that a “Level 4” lockdown would be imposed on millions of people in London and south-east England after scientists said a new variant of the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly.

The new rules, he said, would take effect at midnight, and within that time some Londoners were quick to flee the blockade zone.

There were no trains available online from various London stations, including Paddington, Kings Cross and Euston, just three hours after Johnson made his announcement.

Travelers at stations were told that social distancing “will not be possible” due to the volume of people on board, and that those who feel “uncomfortable” should not stay on the train.

British journalist Harriet Clugston wrote on Twitter: “Of course, everyone has suitcases. People have tried to ensure social distance by taking seats, but other passengers have asked them to remove them because the train is so full.”

Once the new restrictions take effect, nonessential stores, gyms, movie theaters, hair salons, and bowling alleys will close for two weeks, and people will be restricted from meeting another person from another household in a public outdoor space.

For the rest of England, the Christmas “bubble” policy, which allows up to three households to come together during the holiday period, will be drastically reduced and will apply only on Christmas Day.

– additional reports: Daily Telegraph UK