BORIS Johnson will right this moment maintain a gathering to resolve if the UK ought to be slammed again into lockdown.
The PM is predicted to talk with ministers right this moment – with fears London and the South East will then be reduce off from the remainder of the UK in a determined try and cease the unfold of a new Covid strain.
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Boris Johnson will meet ministers over the spiralling circumstances within the South EastCredit score: AP:Related Press
Thousands and thousands of festive households could possibly be advised this afternoon their Christmas has been clobbered within the announcement.
The PM final evening sat down in an emergency assembly and given “alarming” new proof over the brand new pressure – as medics issued a chilling warning it’s 50 per cent extra contagious than earlier Covid-19 circumstances.
And the unfold of the bug’s new pressure make the probabilities of a 3rd nationwide lockdown more and more seemingly.
Final evening a authorities supply advised The Solar: “What we have no idea but is whether or not the brand new pressure is kind of prone to trigger you hurt, however what we’ve got learnt is that it’ll move to individual to individual way more simply and that’s what we’re actually fearful about.”
The new strain is blamed for a sudden surge in hospitalisations and The Solar understands proof exhibits a dramatic hike in optimistic circumstances in London prior to now week.
And there are fears persons are catching the virus regardless of sporting PPE and socially distancing.
Mr Johnson may announce new journey recommendation right this moment – proscribing journey to and from the South East to fight the unfold.
Different potential measures may see commuters banned from travelling into the capital.
A well being supply mentioned: “The final 48 hours have modified all the pieces.”
It could possibly be weeks till it’s recognized simply how harmful the brand new pressure could possibly be.
Boris Johnson seen this morningCredit score: London Information Footage
A Whitehall supply mentioned: “It is a fluid scenario nevertheless it’s not trying good and we’ve got to behave quick.
Earlier yesterday Mr Johnson had urged folks to start out isolating instantly in the event that they plan on celebrating with grandparents.
The PM mentioned conferences with others ought to be restricted — as he warned a new festive spike could spark future lockdowns.
He tweeted: “If you’re forming a Christmas Bubble, it’s very important that from right this moment, you minimise contact with folks from outdoors your family.
Everybody should take private accountability to keep away from passing the virus on to family members.”
As an additional 4.5million folks — 38million in all — wake in Tier 3 restrictions right this moment the PM mentioned he couldn’t rule out more durable measures.
Wales and Northern Eire have already introduced a post-festive shutdown. However Boris mentioned he was “hoping very a lot that we’ll be capable to keep away from something like that”.
Talking on a tour of a telecoms coaching hub in Bolton, he added: “The fact is that an infection charges have elevated very a lot in the previous couple of weeks.”
He urged the general public to keep away from spreading the lethal bug over Christmas and reiterated the three family bubble was a restrict, not a goal folks ought to purpose for.
Praising Brits, the PM mentioned: “I feel folks actually get this. All of the proof I’m seeing, folks perceive that is the time to take care of our aged kin and keep away from spreading the illness.
“Maintain it quick, hold it small, have yourselves a little or no Christmas as I mentioned the opposite evening — that’s, I’m afraid, the way in which by this yr.
“Subsequent yr I’ve little doubt that as we roll out the vaccine it is going to be very completely different certainly.”
Stats launched yesterday confirmed these dwelling with Covid in England have risen by virtually a fifth in per week.
DRACONIAN TIER 4
The ONS mentioned 567,300 folks had the bug between December 6 and 12 — equal to 1 particular person in 95. The newest copy R quantity is now between 1.1 and 1.2.
However the public do look like listening to the PM — as official figures present solely half of Brits are planning to kind a festive bubble.
That features 26 per cent saying they plan to go to household and buddies however not keep in a single day in contrast with 52 per cent final yr.
Solely 4 per cent plan to fulfill in eating places, cafes or bars in contrast with 44 per cent final yr.
The PM remains to be coming underneath hearth from Tories and hospitality chiefs, who need measures lifted as quickly as doable, plus gloomy scientists who predict extra lockdowns.
In the meantime, fears are rising {that a} extra draconian Tier 4 could also be wanted.
Well being Secretary Matt Hancock is known to be contemplating further curbs if mass testing fails to make an influence.
A Whitehall official mentioned: “There’s a case for going additional than Tier 3 and it’s getting stronger — closure of non-essential retail, stay-at-home orders.
“That must be actively thought-about in dialog with a neighborhood authority.”
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s School London, mentioned folks ought to think about suspending Christmas socialising till Easter.
And Prof Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to March’s first lockdown, steered a extra extreme third nationwide lockdown could also be wanted.
Prof John Edmunds, of the Sage science advisory physique, warned: “Sadly it doesn’t appear like the tier system is holding again the epidemic wave. We’re going to have to take a look at these measures and maybe tighten them.”
Paperwork newly launched by Sage say avoiding social contacts for greater than 5 days earlier than assembly older or weak folks at Christmas will cut back the danger of transmitting the virus.
An extended interval of per week or extra would cut back the danger even additional. A doc dated November 26 says taking a speedy Covid take a look at earlier than a multi-day gathering inside a house may additionally cut back threat.
