Tougher lockdown may be on cards
THE Prime Minister is set to address the nation on TV this week to “reveal plans of a lockdown”, according to reports.
As the number of new coronavirus cases continue to rise, Boris Johnson could be about to issue tougher lockdown rules for the rest of the year.
The new rules could see reduced opening hours at pubs, households banned from mixing and tougher penalties for whose who flout them, the Mirror is reporting.
A No10 source described reports about Mr Johnson making a TV address as speculation. The PM has however given TV addresses or press conferences when there are major rule changes in the past.
Medical advisors are said to be briefing Mr Johnson this weekend on what they would like to see happen to tackle the recent surge in cases.
It is claimed he could make his TV address on Tuesday, although this has not been confirmed.
A further 4,422 Covid-19 infections were recorded in the UK on Saturday, the highest daily increase since May 8.
The death count also increased by 27, reaching a tragic total of 41,759.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are set to meet the PM on Sunday to outline plans for what could happen if no tougher action is taken to control the virus.
It’s understood City Hall and government officials were due to meet on Sunday afternoon to look at the data ahead of possible restrictions in London.
It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned Britain is at a “tipping point” as he refused to rule out a second national coronavirus lockdown if the public fails to follow social distancing rules.
With cases rising across the country, Mr Hancock said there was a danger the numbers could “shoot through the roof” unless effective action was taken to halt the spread of the virus.
His warning came as the Government announced anyone in England who refuses an order to self-isolate could face a fine of up to £10,000.
Announcing the scheme, the PM said: “The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they are at risk of passing on the virus.
“People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines.
“And while most people are doing their level best to comply with the rules, I don’t want to see a situation where people don’t feel they are financially able to self-isolate.”
It is the latest effort to contain a second wave sweeping the UK, as millions of Brits are placed into local lockdowns.
As of Tuesday, around 13.5 million people across the UK will be facing some form of local restrictions as the authorities grapple with the disease.
On Monday the government’s “rule of six” came into force, banning socialising in groups of more than six – but Mr Johnson said he is weighing up whether to “go further”.