Boris Johnson is expected to push London, the south east and the east of England into Tier 4 as part of the Government’s emergency response to a recent surge in infections. The move will reportedly include a strict ban on the mixing of households and advice against travelling internationally.
BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg tweeted: “Cabinet members have been briefed that the PM expected to announce a Tier 4, tighter covid restrictions for London and SE at 4pm this afternoon – and will cut back on the planned relaxation of the rules over Christmas.” The tweet came after Professor Chris Whitty released a statement warning about a second strain of Covid.
England’s chief medical adviser said the UK has put the World Health Organisation (WHO) on alert about the mutant strain.
He said Britain had informed the global body that it had concluded the mutant strain could spread more quickly.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt warned the situation was on a “knife-edge” with infections rising and hospital admissions on the increase.
The latest development comes after Mr Johnson refused to rule out a third national lockdown for England – a move he has previously been deeply reluctant to contemplate.
Caroline Wheeler of the Sunday Times backed up Ms Kuenssberg’s tweet, writing: “ Christmas cancelled for London, South East and East, as areas moved into new Tier 4 with ‘stay at home’ message by law.
“Christmas bubbles only allowed for Tiers 1 – 3 on Christmas Day with “stay local message”.
“International travel not advised. Latest plan.”
This is a breaking news story… More to follow…
