U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-week nationwide lockdown that started Thursday and is expected to end on December 2nd. “This virus is doubling faster than we can conceivably add capacity,” Johnson said.
In his message, he laid out specific guidelines, stating that individuals are only allowed to leave home for necessary reasons, including to go to school, work, doctor appointments, to buy essential goods, and to exercise. People are able to meet up with no more than one other person to exercise with and indoor and outdoor events are prohibited. Additionally, non-essential businesses, restaurants, and pubs will be temporarily shut down. Fortunately, only basic restrictions will be put in place this time, leaving this lockdown’s rules a bit more loose than the one from March.
By taking these preventative measures now, Johnson’s hope is that families will be able to spend Christmas together. Johnson said that “we must act now to contain this autumn surge.”
While the restrictions are due to be lifted on December 2nd, U.K.’s Senior Government Minister said that if necessary, the restrictions will be left in place following December 2nd. He mentioned that if guidelines are followed closely now, there will be a chance to review the progress that has been made before December 2nd and determine whether a lockdown extension is necessary.
Johnson marked the importance of citizens following his lockdown orders by concluding his message with this statement: “Stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
