‘It all ends in tiers’: What the newspapers are saying about Johnson’s new Covid rules | World News

Boris Johnson’s speech in which he revealed a tiered system of lockdown measures for England has been greeted on the headlines today with anger in the worst affected northern regions and fears of a lockdown across the country.

The Guardian says: “Tempers rage over the new rules when the prime minister warns ‘we must act now'” alongside a grim-faced prime minister. It reports on the anger of northern mayors and some Conservative MPs for financial support for areas facing severe coronavirus lockdowns. It points to Liverpool’s situation as the only area so far categorized as “very high risk”.

The Mirror is scathing about the government’s performance on Covid so far, projecting the latest Downing Street measures in light of the previous eight months of tough times. “Everything ends in levels” is the headline.

The Mail presents some devastating statistics on its forehead: The lockdown measures will affect 22 million, with another 9 million in London facing restrictions this week. He notes that Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, says even this might not be enough. “Back to the old days” is the headline.

The Telegraph goes off course to report on the steps Sage urged the prime minister to take, suggesting that Monday’s measures could have been tougher had Johnson not rejected his advice. “Sage urged PM to order a more severe lockdown,” is the headline. The Guardian report on those Sage documents is here.

The Times features a grim front page, giving Johnson’s serious expression quite a show with the overlaid headline: “Millions more face the toughest Covid curbs.” It focuses on Johnson’s plea to northern leaders to accept the “draconian” blockade measures. Sketch writer Quentin Letts also can’t resist the “en tier / tear” pun on the front, comparing measurements to cooking a steak.

The Express uses a happier image of the prime minister and again urges people to follow the rules or face worse measures in the future. It highlights Johnson’s message to northern leaders with its headline: “Unforgivable Failure to Act Now,” says PM.

The Metro focuses on the situation in Liverpool with the headline “Mission Mersey” and also points to the possibility that London may face tougher measures in the near future.

The Financial Times looks at the political ramifications for the prime minister in the north, with the headline: “Johnson faces backlash from conservatives over switch to tough lockdown.”