Describing the move as part of "a great national effort to fight Covid," Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown until at least mid-February. By that time, Johnson said that “if things go well and with a fair wind," all of the UK's frontline health and social care workers, elderly, and clinically vulnerable will be vaccinated.
The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet. But we are entering the final phase. The end is in sight
The news came as the UK recorded 58,784 new cases of the virus – the country’s highest daily increase to date, and the seventh day in a row it has registered more than 50,000 new infections.
Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. pic.twitter.com/j4aMTZgtY7
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 4, 2021
The PM announced the escalation of Covid curbs in a national televised address from Downing Street, saying parts of the county not already subject to Tier 4 restrictions would now be subject to these as well.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier announced that Scotland would enter a national lockdown at midnight on Monday, with the public ordered by law to “stay at home.”
WATCH LIVE: My update on coronavirus. (4 January 2021) https://t.co/ZL6PeAGWPl
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 4, 2021
MPs will be recalled to the House of Commons on Wednesday to vote on the new restrictions for England, although they will likely participate virtually and have been urged not to attend in person unless absolutely necessary.
Public Health England’s medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle earlier urged people to continue adhering to health measures, including wearing a face mask, saying: “The continuous rise in cases and deaths should be a bitter warning for us all.”
source:rt.com