PM Boris Johnson announces total lockdown in England

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PM Boris Johnson announces total lockdown in England

Last Updated : 05 Jan 2021 04:13:57 AM IST

PM Boris Johnson

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a total coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut risinginfection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address.

Around 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the stricest possible restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the whole world.

But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant.

Boris Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with coronavirus were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year.

Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive for the deadly virus in just 24 hours.

The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year.

They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing.

A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said PM Johnson.

IANS

London