BORIS Johnson is looking into introducing new restrictions across England as soon as next week to curb the spread of coronavirus, it has emerged.
Covid-19 cases in England are doubling every seven to eight days. The UK Government is now looking at how it can “short-circuit” the virus to slow the spread of the illness.
The Tory Government has stressed these plans would stop short of a full lockdown as seen in the spring.
The proposals could see residents in England continue essential travel to schools and work, but restaurants and bars closed – or open on restricted hours – and people from separate households told not to mix.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon 'carefully considering' nationwide coronavirus restrictions
These rules could operate for two weeks but plans have yet to be finalised.
The UK Government is concerned that daily coronavirus numbers could hit figures seen in March and April if decisive action is not taken now.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling have called for a new full lockdown in England.
They say it could coincide with the October half-term to limit the impact on pupil’s education.
However, Matt Hancock told Sky News something like this would be “the last line of defence”.
Ten million people across the UK are currently in some form of localised lockdown. New restrictions for Lancashire are expected to be announced today.
Scotland’s First Minister said yesterday that she is “carefully considering” new nationwide coronavirus restrictions.
As another 290 cases were confirmed yesterday, with the R number thought to be as high as 1.4, the Scottish Government was looking at “whether any further restrictions may be necessary either for all or part of the country”.
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