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The government may need to “go even further” and introduce stricter measures to combat the increase in coronavirus cases in high-risk areas, a minister told Sky News.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Kay Burley there was “a lot of work to do” in the fight against COVID-19 and “we’re going to live with it for a long time.”
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“We may have to go beyond what we have announced,” he warned, adding that the government wanted “to design these steps jointly between us and the local government.”
But there has been anger among some local leaders, with claims that Westminster has imposed restrictions without proper consultation.
Jenrick was speaking after the prime minister. establish a new three-level locking system for England, with areas assigned as “medium”, “high” and “very high” coronavirus alert levels.
The measure, which will take effect on Wednesday if MPs approve it later, aims to simplify the range of different restrictions that already exist.
The medium level will cover a significant part of England and includes current national restrictions such as the “rule of six” and a 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
The high level will make people unable to socialize with other households indoors, although support bubbles will still be allowed.
In these areas, the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors in public spaces, as well as in private gardens.
The very high alert level will make people prohibited from socializing with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will remain closed unless they can function as restaurants.
Alcohol can be served in pubs that function as restaurants in these areas, but only as part of a meal.
Residents will also be warned not to travel in and out of these areas, while it will be up to local politicians whether other entertainment venues such as gyms and casinos should also close.
The Liverpool city region is currently the only area at the very high alert level.
Most of the areas already living under local restrictions, such as Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the North East, will move into the high category, as will Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak.
St Helens North MP Connor McGinn told Sky News that there was no agreement on the measures for the Liverpool region with the government, but instead said they were imposed in the area.
In the hours after Boris Johnson’s statement to parliamentarians, recently released documents revealed that three weeks ago scientists recommended the government a “circuit breaker,” a brief national lockdown.
