Coronavirus latest: UK puts brakes on lockdown easing as cases rise

Some 4 million people in the UK have been ordered not to mix with other households in Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire

Meanwhile, the eurozone economy shrank by a devastating 12.1% per cent during the second quarter amid the pandemic

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Pedestrians walk around the Hardman Street district of Manchester, UK. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 11:41am, 31 Jul 2020Updated: 10:54pm, 31 Jul 2020

Britain on Friday “put the brakes on” easing lockdown measures and imposed new rules on millions of households in northern England, following concerns over a spike in coronavirus infections.

The reopening of high-risk activities such as casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks, which was meant to begin on Saturday, will be delayed until at least August 15, as will the reintroduction of indoor performances and pilot schemes of larger crowds at sporting events, Boris Johnson announced.

“I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional.. that we would not hesitate to put the brakes on if required. Our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal,” the Prime Minister said in a Downing Street briefing.

Johnson, who earlier this week warned of a “second wave” of cases in Europe, added that Britain “cannot be complacent” about increasing infection numbers.

His announcement came hours after the government increased regional lockdown measures - under which people from different households are banned from meeting indoors - for some four million people across Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the restrictions were being brought in because people were “meeting and not abiding to social distancing”.