New general lockdown announced by Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, yesterday evening announced to the nation a new general lockdown: schools will close, people will be able to go out only for reasons of necessity and will have to resort to smart working whenever possible.

In the United Kingdom, yesterday, over 58 thousand new covid-19 cases were registered, an absolute record since the beginning of the pandemic. 

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In a live speech on television, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government's decision to proceed with a new lockdown in England to try to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus infection and the difficulties of the national health system, both of which have increased in recent days.

Johnson argued that the biggest problem is the so-called "new variant" of the coronavirus, and that it has undone the satisfactory efforts the country was making in decreasing the extent of the infection. 

The Prime Minister said it is "alarming and frustrating" how much faster the variant is spreading ("between 50% and 70% more than before, according to scientists"), and that hospitals have never been under so much pressure. 

In his address to the nation, Johnson said, "We have a new variant that's spreading with alarming speed, it's being transmitted 50 to 70 percent faster, and that makes it much more likely you're going to get sick." 

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The Prime Minister recalled that the daily death toll has increased by 20 percent: "While vaccines are being given we must strive to stop this new covid-19 variant, so I am declaring a new lockdown. You will only be able to leave your home for work, exercise, health reasons, and for and grocery shopping at essential stores. Schools of all grades will be closed. Johnson announced that PCs and tablets will be provided to support distance learning and that children of poor families will receive support for meals: "If everyone does their part, we can reopen schools in February. 

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According to the conservative Prime Minister, the health situation is dramatic: "Hospitals could collapse in 21 days," he said, explaining that in the meantime the vaccination campaign goes on.