UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he is putting England on a second national lockdown starting next week.
The announcement was made in light of surging numbers of COVID-19 cases in the country.
This week, the UK recorded one million COVID-19 cases in total, becoming the eighth country in the world to reach that number since the outbreak began.
People will not be allowed to leave their homes starting November 5 up to December 2, except for childcare, work, exercise, medical issues, or shopping for basic needs.
Food establishments, even bars, can still operate but only for “take out” services. Other non-essential stores will remain closed.
COVID-19 cases in the UK reached 21,915 recently, while recording 326 deaths to reach 46,555 in total.
According to the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies or SAGE, it said that COVID-19 is spreading much faster than what were initially forecasted based on initial worst-case scenarios developed. It warned the virus could kill 85,000 people during winter or even 4,000 deaths daily if no action is taken.
“From Thursday until the start of December you must stay at home,” Johnson addressed the nation via a special news bulletin on the BBC.
(Photo credit: npr.org)