The draft traffic-light-style plan will simplify the current network of localised restrictions which are current in place in 25 percent of the UK. It also reveals the measures which could be imposed by Westminster as coronavirus cases skyrocket. The leaked document says the top Level Three would be “triggered in geographical areas or nationally when alert Level Two measures have not contained the spread of the virus, or where there has been a significant rise in transmission”. These measures would include closure of hospitality businesses and No social contact outside your household in any setting.
Meanwhile, a moderate Level Two would be “triggered in geographical areas or nationally when there has been a rise in transmission, which cannot be contained through local responses”.
Measures include people not being allowed to visit others outside of their household or support bubbles whilst travel should be limited to essential reasons only.
Weddings and funerals would be limited to 15 attendees whilst receptions would be banned.
Level One contains restrictions currently in place across England which includes the 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses and the “rule of six” for meeting others.
A Government spokesman said of the measures: “We are seeing coronavirus cases rise at a rapid rate across the country and, given how serious this virus is, it is vital everyone plays their part by following the rule of six, washing their hands, practising social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces.
“As we have shown, we are prepared to take action decisively when it is necessary, and it is of course right to look how we make sure everyone understands and complies with the restrictions that will keep us all safe.”
It comes after a technical glitch meant almost 16,000 COVID-19 cases went unreported and led to a delay in efforts to trace contacts of people who tested positive for the virus.
Public Health England (PHE) said a technical issue resulted in 15,841 cases between September 25 and October 2 being left out of the reported daily coronavirus cases.
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8am update: Ireland could return to full lockdown measures
The leaders of Ireland’s three coalition parties are to meet with chief medical officer Dr Tony Holahan today to discuss a potential return to lockdown.
Dr Holohan and NPHET have recommended that the whole country moves to Level 5 – the highest level of the Government’s COVID-19 plan.
Cabinet ministers are said to have been taken aback by the proposals and there are concerns that such a move would be damaging to the economy.
If approved by Cabinet, it would represent a return to the strictest possible public health measures, similar to those seen in April and May.
However, in a Level-5 scenario, schools and creches would remain open.
People would be asked to stay within 5km (three miles) of their homes, while all non-essential retail outlets would close.
