Uk Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces lockdown

Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister,  announced a new national lockdown in England during a press conference on Saturday evening.

The new four-week "lockdown", triggered by a recent and sustained increase in coronavirus infections, will start at midnight and one minute on Thursday 4 November and remain in effect until 2 December.

Also read: Belgium in lockdown as from Monday due to covid-19 pandemic

"Sorry to bother you on a Saturday night," the Prime Minister announced during a press conference at Downing St, "but I need to update you on the coronavirus emergency. Infections are rising, even beyond our worst estimates, the healthcare system would not hold up and doctors would have to choose who to save and who not. In short, we have no choice: you have to stay indoors. I know how many sacrifices I am asking you to make and the impact that these measures will have on work and the economy, and for that I want to thank you all.”

Also read: Heathrow loses title of Europe’s busiest airport

In London and the rest of England all pubs, restaurants and bars will be closed for one month: only takeaway and home services will be allowed. Gyms, hairdressers and all non-essential activities will also be closed. Schools, universities, Parliament, construction sites and Courts will remain open.

Ph: Michael Tubi / Shutterstock.com