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Boris Johnson is ready to make a statement on the next steps the country will take to address the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister will speak a day after Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s top scientific adviser, warned that the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day unless action is taken.
Johnson, who has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown, is expected to announce new measures designed to slow the spread of the virus in England.
We already know pubs, bars and restaurants in England It will be forced to close at 10 p.m. every night starting Thursday, but here are three more sets of measures Johnson could announce.
Ban on socializing
The prime minister could announce a ban on different households from mixing.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said during a briefing in Downing Street on Monday that limiting social contact between households was key to fighting the virus.
Social gatherings of more than six people are already illegal in England after the coronavirus “rule of six” came into force.
A temporary “circuit break”
The government has been looking for ways to “short-circuit” the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
Government figures have emphasized that the plan does not reach a full national shutdown.
The proposals could allow essential travel to schools and workplaces to continue, but restaurants and bars would close.
Different households would also be asked not to mix.
The restrictions could be imposed for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures have yet to be defined.
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A second national blockade
Health Secretary Matt Hancock declined to rule out “national action” when pressed on the possibility of a second national shutdown.
He told Sky News on Sunday that the measure is a “last line of defense,” but that the government will do whatever it takes to protect the public.
The prime minister said last week that he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown, but warned the government may need to “step up things to help reduce the rate of infections.”
He added: “Now we are seeing a second wave looming … clearly, we are going to keep everything under review.”
