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Tighter social restrictions could be imposed if coronavirus infections continue to rise, a minister suggested.
Helen Whately said we “don’t want” to introduce measures leading the UK to a second national lockdown, but warned that the government is “constantly monitoring” COVID-19 cases.
When Sky News’s Kay Burley was asked what changes should be prepared for individuals, the social care minister pointed to rules prohibiting mixing of households in parts of the North West and North East of England.
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A report in The Times follows that a “total social lockdown” could be imposed across much of northern Britain and London, with orders to close all pubs and restaurants for two weeks.
Households would also be prohibited from meeting anywhere inside, but schools, shops and offices will remain open.
The newspaper quoted a high-level government source as saying that the nation and Tory MPs were not “ready” for such action, but that it “will have to come.”
Ms. Whately did not deny that the plan is being considered.
“We have an opportunity, an election, as a country to get this back under control,” he said.
“This is our time to make sure we are doing social distancing and the rule of six. This is how we control it.”
Ms Whately also said a video of Liverpool residents apparently partying and not social distancing after the pubs closed at 10pm “concerning” as tougher fines go into effect for anyone caught without self isolation it should be.
