The UK has experienced several months of lockdown over the course of the last year. The first national lockdown in England started in March, and a second national lockdown began in November. This national lockdown is England’s third since early 2020, but it is hoped restrictions will start to be eased over the coming months as vaccine rollout continues.
Experts state the rate of Covid transmission in England needs to be lower before lockdown restrictions can start to be eased.
On January 19, a further 33,355 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the UK.
The UK also reported its highest daily death statistic since the start of the pandemic today.
A further 1,610 people have died within 28 days of a positive test, and 8,267 people have died in the UK within the last seven days.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon announces extension to Scotland’s national lockdown
Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE’s medical director, said there are some “early signs” lockdown restrictions are starting to make an impact.
Dr Doyle said: “Each death is a tragedy and the number of Covid-19 related deaths within 28 days of a positive test will continue for some time throughout this second wave.
“Whilst there are some early signs that show our sacrifices are working, we must continue to strictly abide by the measures in place.
“By reducing our contacts and staying at home we will see a fall in the number of infections over time.”
When is the next lockdown review date for England?
Initially the Prime Minister suggested lockdown measures could start to be eased around the middle of February, but he added that “we should remain cautious about the timetable ahead.”
He said: “By the middle of February, if things go well and with a fair wind in our sails, we expect to have offered the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.”
However Government ministers have suggested since that lockdown is more likely to remain in place until at least March, and measures will be gradually eased rather than relaxed in one go.
Mr Johnson said Government reviews of the lockdown measures will take place every two weeks.
So as the lockdown became enshrined in law on Wednesday, January 6, it is thought the next mandatory review of lockdown restrictions will take place on Wednesday, January 20.
