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The map of the UK will be drastically redrawn today as new coronavirus measures take effect, changing the way millions of people live their lives.
This is what is happening today:
- North Ireland will enter a four week period “circuit breaker” closing from 6 pm – with pubs and restaurants closed, overnight stays in other forbidden houses and schools closed for two weeks
- People living under Level 2 and 3 restrictions in England will not be allowed to enter Welsh from 6pm
- At 12:01 am tonight, London will go to Level 2 of coronavirus alert system, which means people from separated households will be prohibited from mixing indoors, even in pubs and restaurants
- Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield will also move to Level 2
The changes will mean that more than half of England will be banned from reuniting with friends and family from other households in the interior, or together.
In the Level 2 areas, home to 26.7 million people, different households will be allowed to gather in the open air. But with less daylight and winter weather on the way, socializing will be much more difficult.
Currently, only the Liverpool The region of the city is subject to level 3 restrictions. Yesterday, a bitter political dispute between local politicians and the government prevented Greater Manchester from also being subjected to the harshest restrictions.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of treating the North of England with contempt and claimed that Downing Street was trying to impose unproven “cheap” measures.
At a passionate press conference, he said: “We have to protect the health of the nation, but let us do it as one nation, and let us not make the north of England the lamb slaughtered by a badly thought Downing Street policy that does not.” it doesn’t make sense in the real world. “
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Sky News understands that Lancashire It is likely to be heralded as the last area to move to Level 3 of England’s lockdown restrictions.
Discussions between Westminster and local leaders on the financial package are still ongoing, but the decision is expected to be announced within hours.
Older conservatives have warned Boris Johnson that he faces a growing rebellion in his own banks.
Some politicians claim that the financial support offered to hospitality venues is inadequate, given the significant impact that England’s restrictions will have on their ability to operate.
Another 26.7 million people are being subjected to stricter measures
Pubs, restaurants and hotels in Level 2 areas can only accept groups from the same household, while pubs and bars in Level 3 will be forced to close unless they can operate as restaurants.
Despite this, companies will not be eligible for government support unless they are forced to shut down completely by the stricter Tier 3 measures.
Cities of London and Westminster Conservative MP Nickie Aiken said: “While I appreciate the public health crisis we are in, I remain deeply concerned about the impact that further lockdown will have on the hotel, leisure and retail businesses of the capital.
“In addition to protecting the health of Londoners, protecting people’s jobs and livelihoods must be a priority at this time.
“Many of our companies are already on their knees, and I urge the government to consider more support before they are gone forever.”
Some conservatives have also questioned why new restrictions are being imposed on London’s nine million residents when infection rates fluctuate wildly between boroughs.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has told Londoners who are being urged to make “monumental sacrifices” in the looming local lockdown to “ignore government politicians” who have disobeyed coronavirus rules.
Khan was asked if he was concerned about the effect that high-profile violations of the restrictions would have on the public, including by the prime minister’s senior adviser. Dominic cummings and SNP MP Margaret Ferrier.
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The Mayor said: “I know from anecdotal experience, speaking to Londoners from all walks of life, but also from polls by independent polling companies, that the way the prime minister’s senior adviser behaved led people to wondering ‘why should I follow the rules when it isn’t?’
“My advice to Londoners is to ignore what government ministers, government advisers or members of parliament do.
“Do what’s right for our city, your loved ones, and yourself.”
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons in announcing changes yesterday: “We must make firm and balanced decisions to keep this virus under control.
“This is the only way to protect lives and livelihoods, and we must act now. Delayed action means more deaths from COVID-19, it means more non-COVID deaths and it means more financial pain later. “
