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Boris Johnson is expected to tighten Christmas coronavirus restrictions as a new strain of the virus is “spreading rapidly.”
Spikes in coronavirus infections in London and parts of Sussex, Essex and Hertfordshire saw them go to a very high alert level, but could they face even tighter restrictions?
What is Level 4?
In August, the Department of Education published a four-tier structure, in which all educational institutions, including primary schools and early childhood education centers, would be closed.
On October 26, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast: “We have always said that we do not take anything off the table. That said, we have seen the increase in the number of cases slow down a bit.”
“The problem is that it continues to rise, and while it continues to rise we have to act to get it under control. We do not rule out anything, but at the moment we are working on the three-level system and it is effective in stopping the growth of this virus, but it has not stopped this curve “.
Government scientists, including Professor Chris Whitty, Medical Director, cautioned that “baseline” level 3 restrictions would probably not be enough to reduce the R rate.
A new strain of coronavirus in the southeast that is potentially more infectious has only added fuel to the fire.
The Sunday Times Deputy Political Editor tweeted today that a decision was made to cancel Christmas in London, the South East and the East as the areas move to the new Level 4.
The law is likely to introduce a “stay home” message.
A third national blockade is a possibility, but an additional and tougher Level 4 could be introduced for the worst affected areas.
What areas are at Level 4?
It is said that London, the South East and the East of England will be drawn into a more stringent Level 4 local lockdown.
More regions could be added as we approach the New Year amid ministers who fear a new strain of coronavirus is “spreading rapidly.”
The variant is said to be 50% more contagious than the current strain.
What are the rules for Level 4?
Those under Level 4 restrictions are expected to stay home.
International travel is not recommended.
Pubs and restaurants are likely to be closed.
It is unknown if places of worship, hair salons and gyms will be affected, as they were allowed to remain open under current Level 3 restrictions.
When asked what possible Level 4 restrictions would look like, a Whitehall official told The Times: “There are reasons to go beyond Level 3 and it is getting stronger.
“[That could mean] Retail closure not essential, home orders.
“That would have to be actively considered in a conversation with the local authority.”
When will we know more?
The new measures could be announced at the press conference scheduled for this afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
The prime minister will be accompanied by England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and Sir Patrick Vallance, England’s chief scientific adviser.
An emergency lunchtime meeting of high-level ministers is taking place to discuss the new strain amid a growing number of cases in the region.
Professor Sir Mark Walport, a member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said there was a real possibility that it could have a “transmission advantage.”
“The thing about viruses is that they mutate naturally all the time and the ones that are likely to do well are the ones that increase transmission,” he told BBC2’s Newsnight.
“We know that this is a new variant, it has been seen in other countries but it seems to be quite widespread which suggests that it has a transmission advantage.
“Scientists are working very hard to find out what is going on. But it definitely seems possible that this is more easily transmitted.
“It will make social distancing even more critical.”
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