On Friday five Army and Navy environmental health officers experienced in “outbreak management” were sent to Liverpool. One task they were given was to take action against businesses that failed to comply with coronavirus rules. The Army was called on to aid the “national effort” to fight the second wave of coronavirus.
The troops will not be in uniform and will be used to monitor premises so they abide the lockdown rules.
The military is currently carrying out more than 30 tasks for local authorities.
Increasing the severity of the situation, scientific advisers working for SAGE have warned the virus could be mutating to become more infectious.
Lieutenant General Tyrone Urch said: “We are all extremely proud to be able to support this national effort.
“We remain ready to respond to all requests for further support throughout the winter period.”
The Prime Minister hopes to relax the tiered lockdown rules to allow families to spend Christmas with each other.
Referring to a Christmas lifting of lockdown restrictions, Imperial College’s Professor Neil Ferguson said: “If it is only one or two days the impact is likely to be limited.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 he added: “So that is really a political judgment about the cost versus the benefits.”
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There have been 174 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Those who have been admitted to hospital because of the virus number 7,850.
Of those in hospital, 743 are on ventilators.
