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Tight new restrictions to contain the coronavirus pandemic will cover 99% of England’s population starting next week, with government scientists warning that there is little prospect of real change in the months to come.
On a sobering day that sparked the fury of some MPs, the prime minister apologized for the pain and frustration that the sweeping measures would cause to up to 55 million people at the top two levels, but cautioned that this was not the time. to “take our from the throat of the beast.”
At a Downing Street news conference, England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty underscored the enormity of the challenge the country still faces when he urged people to be cautious during the upcoming temporary relaxation of restrictions over Christmas.
When asked how the public should approach the short holiday respite, Whitty said: “Would you encourage someone to hug and kiss their older relatives? No, I wouldn’t, ”he said. “It is not against the law. You can do it within the rules that exist, but it doesn’t make sense, because you could carry the virus. “
It was endorsed by the chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, who stressed the importance of following health rules, such as ensuring good ventilation in buildings and maintaining distances during family gatherings.
“Hugging elderly relatives is not something to go out and do,” Vallance said, prompting Whitty to chime in: “If you want them to survive, hug them again.”
Much of the North of England and the Midlands, as well as Kent, Bristol and Slough, are entering the upper tier of coronavirus restrictions, a move that has raised concerns among local leaders and businesses concerned about the social and economic impact of the rules.
Liverpool and London will be at level 2, but Greater Manchester, which has been subject to restrictions of one kind or another since the end of July, will remain at level 3, which means that you cannot socialize indoors, even in private gardens. , a ban on traveling to other places. parts of the UK, and pubs and cafes are only open for takeout.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he understood the government’s reasoning, but called for much more support for the hardest hit businesses.
“The infection rate in Greater Manchester is falling faster than anywhere else in the country, but we have to accept that it is still significantly higher than the average for England. What we believe is completely wrong is the government’s decision not to provide additional business support to Tier 3 areas than Tier 1 and Tier 2, ”said Burnham.
In all, 23.3 million people, more than 41% of the population of England, will be at level 3, while 32.2 million, more than 57%, will be at level 2.
Boris Johnson said the tiering would be reviewed every 14 days starting Dec. 16, suggesting that the massive testing could exempt households from the restrictions.
He said: “Now the tests on this scale have not been tested, but in due time, if it works, where people test negative, it is also possible for families and communities to free themselves from certain restrictions even if their area of origin remains. at level 3. Your level is not your destination, each area has the means of escape. “
But both Vallance and Whitty struck a much more cautious note. Vallance said that the Level 1 restrictions before the lockdown “didn’t really have an effect” on slowing the spread of the virus, with Whitty admitting that it could be “a few months to come, possibly a few weeks to come” that more places could fall to the lowest level.
It’s unclear how widely these massive tests will be available. Local authorities will be able to apply to participate, and those selected will receive support, including logistical support from the military. But full details of the scheme are not expected to be released until next week. A government spokesman said 14,000 soldiers had been put on hold to help.
Dozens of Conservative MPs are preparing to vote against the restrictions when they arrive in parliament next week, though they are also urging the government to publish a cost-benefit analysis of the measures.
Steve Baker of the Tories’ Covid Recovery Group, who questions the logic behind many of the restrictions, said: “Authoritarianism at work today is really appalling.” He claimed that it amounted to a continuation of the blockade that is formally lifted next week.
The prime minister spoke of businesses, including non-essential shops and hair salons, that could reopen.
Former Conservative Minister Harriett Baldwin said she had supported the shutdown on the grounds that it would buy time for the government to improve testing and tracking and develop a strategy for living with the virus.
She added: “There is no logic in having a month in lockdown just so people have to live under an even more severe set of restrictions afterward. That’s why we need to look at the evidence, data, and cost-benefit analysis, released in full and on time, so we can assess whether or not the current strategy is working, and make sure we know if we are being asked to vote. for something with an end date and that will explicitly save more lives than it costs. “
The government has promised to publish a full social and economic assessment of its decisions before the vote next Tuesday.
Labor has not yet decided whether they will support the measures. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to receive a briefing on Monday from experts, including Whitty, laying out the rationale for the new system.
Andrew Gwynne, the former Labor leader representing Denton and Reddish in Greater Manchester, said he was willing not to support the new regime. “I will never understand the logic of a tiered system that says it is okay for many thousands of people to crowd into a busy mall in the run-up to Christmas, but a small number from the same household cannot responsibly sit at a table during a meal and drink in a bar or restaurant. “
Many areas in the south of England have moved from level 1, through the four-week national lockdown, to the stricter level 2, prompting a furious response from local MPs who questioned how they could explain the situation to their constituents.
Business groups warned that the strict rules would hit the economy hard. Adam Marshall, Managing Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The ongoing restrictions in England will continue to have a devastating impact on businesses across the country. To weather the difficult winter ahead, more support will be needed for the worst-hit businesses, including those in the inner city and cities that will lose business while employees continue to work from home. “
