With 1 million coronavirus cases, Boris Johnson announces new national lockdown for UK next week
- ‘I’m afraid from Thursday the basic message is the same: Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,’ said Johnson
- Non-essential shops, as well as leisure and entertainment venues, will be closed until December 2, as will pubs, bars and restaurants
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says a nationwide lockdown will be put in place next week as part of efforts to stop a surge in coronavirus cases, as the country reached the 1 million mark for total confirmed infections on Saturday.
Non-essential shops, as well as leisure and entertainment venues, will be closed from Thursday until December 2, as will pubs, bars and restaurants, which can only offer takeaway and delivery services. Schools and other educational institutes will remain open.
“I’m afraid from Thursday the basic message is the same: Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,” said Johnson, warning that without the measures, the death rate could grow even higher.
“Christmas is going to be different this year, perhaps very different, but it's my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action, we can allow families across the country to be together,” Johnson said, citing similar measures by France, Germany and Belgium.
He added that the devolved governments had been informed.