Coronavirus UK newest – Matt Hancock tells Tier 4 Brits to ‘act as you probably have the virus’ after Christmas bubble U-turn

EUROSTAR TICKETS SOLD OUT

Regardless of Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands banning journey from the UK , Eurostar tickets offered out in lower than hour on Sunday morning, amid recommendations France was more likely to ban UK travellers.

Individuals now residing below Tier 4 restrictions being informed to not journey except important nonetheless, at 11.50am there have been seats accessible on the three Eurostar trains leaving London for Paris on Sunday, at 12.24pm, 13.31pm and seven.01pm.

Lower than an hour later, no tickets had been accessible for buy on any Eurostar practice leaving London on Sunday.

ITALY JOINS BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS IN BANNING UK TRAVELLERS

Italian International Minister @luigidimaio made the announcement on Fb: “As a authorities we’ve the responsibility of defending Italians, so because of this, after having notified the British gov, with the Ministry of Well being, we’re about to signal the availability to droop flights with GB.” pic.twitter.com/wgkSzYgtnB

SCOTTISH COPS DOUBLE PRESENCE AT BORDER

Police Scotland will double its presence alongside the border with England after the First Minister introduced tighter coronavirus restrictions.

Chief Constable lain Livingstone stated “extremely seen patrols” on roads shall be used to “deter anybody who evening be contemplating breaching the coronavirus journey restrictions”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon introduced extreme lockdown measures for Scotland on Saturday.

They included a “strict journey ban” stopping journey to or from different elements of the UK, which was put in place final month however was because of be eliminated over the Christmas interval.

Some exceptions to the ban are allowed for important functions.

LONDON’S EMPTY

A abandoned Carnaby Avenue, central London.

Coronavirus restrictions plunged London into chaos and some of the well-known purchasing streets is left abandoned 4 days earlier than Christmas

Credit score: Rex Options

HANCOCK CONDEMNS CROWDS ON TRAINS

Matt Hancock has condemned scenes of individuals crowding into practice stations to depart London following the announcement of the newest coronavirus restrictions.

“I believe these scenes had been completely irresponsible. We now have all bought a duty.

“We in Authorities in fact have a duty, however so does each single particular person,” the Well being Secretary informed BBC1’s The Andrew Marr Present.

“The plea that I’ve is that individuals will play their half, as a result of it is just by appearing – all of us – that we will get this below management.”

Mr Hancock rejected recommendations by critics just like the senior Tory MP Sir Charles Walker that he might resign.

“I’m coping with a worldwide pandemic in one of the best ways we probably can, with large pressures on the NHS, with case charges which might be climbing and we should take motion regardless of how uncomfortable we discover it,” he stated.

BELGIUM BANS ALL FIGHTS AND TRAINS FROM THE UK

Belgium has joined the Netherlands in banning flights from the UK and likewise banned rail connections in an try to guarantee that a brand new pressure of coronavirus doesn’t spill over on its territory.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Sunday stated he was issuing the order for twenty-four hours beginning at midnight out of precaution.

There are numerous questions on this new mutation and if it isn’t already on the mainland, he stated. He hoped to have extra readability as of Tuesday.

The Netherlands is banning flights from the UK for at the least the remainder of the 12 months.

THE WHOLE OF THE UK SHOULD FOLLOW SCOTLAND’S LEAD

The entire of the UK ought to observe Scotland’s mannequin of utilizing a “harsh lockdown” to try to remove coronavirus to the bottom degree attainable, the chairwoman of worldwide public well being at Edinburgh College has stated.

Professor Devi Sridhar stated Scotland had imposed robust measures regardless of having a decrease an infection charge than England, Wales and Northern Eire.

She informed Sky Information’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “If we take a look at Scotland, Scotland was already operating a decrease an infection charge however to enter fairly a harsh lockdown over the vacation interval, to increase the college holidays, to actually attempt to get these numbers low, I believe, I might hope the remainder of the UK would observe that mannequin, which is we’ve bought to actually crunch this.

“We now have bought to remove as a lot as attainable to the bottom degree of this virus as a result of that’s how we are going to reopen our economic system.”

HEADTEACHERS ARE IN AN ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ SITUATION

Ms Nandy stated some kids had missed as much as 10 out of the final 13 weeks of training because of “continued bouts of self-isolation”.

She added that headteachers had been put in an “inconceivable scenario”, however that many remained “decided” to get their faculties reopened.

“They simply want that they’d a Authorities that was working with them moderately than, because it looks like for the time being, just like the Authorities is tripping them up at each flip.”

SCHOOLS MUST OPEN IN JANUARY, SAYS SHADOW SECRETARY

Faculties should not be delayed in reopening till January 18, as had been advised by training leaders, the shadow overseas secretary has stated.

Lisa Nandy informed Andrew Marr on the BBC that headteachers had been being “tripped up” by the Authorities, however remained “decided” to return pupils to highschool safely as quickly as attainable.

“We wish the Authorities to get mass testing into faculties, we have been asking for that for a month and we have not seen a lot progress on that,” she stated.

“Youngsters have to be at school. If we do not have plans to get kids safely again into faculty then some kids will stay with the implications of that for the remainder of their lives.”

DOCTORS ARE BEING ‘OVERWHELMED’

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, stated docs had been reporting being overwhelmed by an enormous surge in coronavirus sufferers.

Talking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday he added: “We now have simply printed the outcomes of a serious survey of docs’ expertise over the past week – it paints a very bleak image.

“Docs are saying they’re overwhelmed, they’re seeing an enormous surge in Covid instances.

“One in three are seeing much more than through the first wave, but additionally an enormous surge in non-Covid sufferers, so they’re saying they do not have the capability to handle each.”

ENORMOUS CHALLENGE WITH THE NEW STRAIN

Well being Secretary Matt Hancock has stated the nation faces an “huge problem” controlling the brand new pressure of Covid-19 after scientists discovered it was in a position to unfold extra quickly.

Mr Hancock advised extra restrictions for England introduced by the Prime Minister on Saturday could have to stay for “the subsequent couple of months” whereas a vaccine is rolled out.

He stated this morning: “What is actually essential is that individuals not solely observe them (the brand new guidelines) however all people in a Tier 4 space acts as you probably have the virus to cease spreading it to different individuals.

“We all know with this new variant you may catch it extra simply from a small quantity of the virus being current.”

XMAS ENTERTAINERS CATCH COVID

A cluster of coronavirus instances amongst Christmas entertainers has damaged out at a resort complicated within the Highlands.

NHS Highland stated it has turn into conscious of the seven constructive instances inside the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore.

“The cluster pertains to a bunch of Christmas entertainers who had been working within the resort over the past week,” stated the board.

“NHS Highland’s Well being Safety Workforce has undertaken case observe up in accordance with nationwide steering. Contact tracing is being carried out with all these recognized as shut contacts being suggested to self-isolate.

“NHS Highland has written to all visitors and employees who’ve stayed or labored within the resort over the previous week to advise them what to do in the event that they develop signs.”

‘ACT LIKE YOU HAVE THE VIRUS’ SAYS HANCOCK

Matt Hancock has informed Brits in Tier 4 to “act as you probably have the virus” as the brand new restrictions got here into place this morning.

The Well being Secretary warned on Sky Information that the brand new mutant pressure of the virus wants tighter restrictions as a result of it’s 70 per cent extra transmissible.

HOLLAND BANS BRITS FROM ENTERING COUNTRY

Brits have right now been banned from getting into Holland because the UK revealed a brand new pressure of Covid-19 had emerged.

Boris Johnson last night cancelled Christmas for millions of Brits – telling them to “keep native” amid fears the variant can unfold as much as 70 per cent quicker.

The PM slapped draconian new Tier 4 measures on London, the South East and East of England, admitting “bitter remorse” at axing household get-togethers.

And in what could possibly be the primary of many nations to make the transfer, simply hours later the Dutch authorities introduced that every one flights from the UK had been banned from getting into Holland.

TIER 4 RUINS ROYALS’ XMAS PLANS

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Christmas plans have been ruined as new coronavirus restrictions got here into pressure in a single day.

Like hundreds of thousands of different households throughout the nation, the Cambridges have needed to cancel their festive enjoyable.

The Each day Mail right now reported the couple had been planning to journey to the Middletons’ dwelling in Bucklebury, Berkshire, for Christmas.

Then when Berkshire was put into Tier 3, Kate and Wills reportedly provided to host the festive celebrations at their dwelling in Anmer Corridor in Norfolk.

However now Berkshire has additionally been moved into Tier 4 – that means the Middletons have needed to cancel their plans.

DUTCH BAN

The Dutch authorities has introduced that all flights from the UK had been banned from entering Holland.

In a press release, it stated: “Pending additional data, and a proof of the epidemiological scenario in the UK, the general public well being institute recommends that any introduction of this virus pressure from the UK must be restricted as a lot as attainable, by limiting or controlling passenger motion.”

It continued: “Within the coming days, it would, in shut collaboration with different EU member states, look into the chances of additional proscribing imports of the virus from the UK”.

The ban is in impact from 5am Sunday till January 1.

WHO STEPS IN

The World Well being Organisation has stated that they’re in “shut contact” with the UK after a brand new Covid pressure emerged.

The variant has sparked the Christmas lockdown, with fears that it spreads as much as 70 per cent quicker than the unique pressure.

WHO final evening tweeted: “We’re in shut contact with UK officers on the brand new #COVID19 virus variant.

“They’ll proceed to share information & outcomes of their evaluation & ongoing research. We’ll replace Member States & public as we be taught extra concerning the traits of this virus variant & any implications.

“Within the meantime, we proceed to advise individuals to take all protecting measures to stop the unfold of the #COVID19 virus and adjust to nationwide authorities’ steering.”

LONDONERS COULD BE ARRESTED FOR TRAVELLING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Londoners could possibly be ARRESTED for travelling dwelling for Christmas as journey out and in of Tier 4 is outlawed from midnight tonight.

Millions of Brits were today told their Christmas would be cancelled as London, the South East and East had been all moved into the brand new lockdown tier.

And Boris Johnson right now introduced journey and completely different households mixing shall be banned below Tier 4.

Talking right now, Boris stated: “As PM it is my responsibility to take the troublesome resolution to do what is true.”

A part of the restrictions additionally imply Brits could possibly be arrested in the event that they attempt to journey in or out of the capital or different Tier 4 areas.

Locals have been informed they need to not keep in a single day from dwelling in the event that they stay in Tier 4.

LONDONERS RUSHED TO LEAVE THE CAPITAL BEFORE MIDNIGHT

1000’s of Londoners have defied the Authorities and fled the capital after Boris Johnson cancelled Christmas for hundreds of thousands within the South East.

Town’s stations had been stated to be like “conflict zones” as locals skipped city earlier than the restrictions got here into impact at midnight.

This got here hours after Professor Chris Whitty begged individuals to not flee, warning: “You probably have packed a bag, unpack it.”

However, dramatic photos have emerged tonight of lengthy queues of visitors leaving town together with packed practice stations as individuals try to keep away from the brutal new restrictions.

In St Pancras station lots of of individuals have been filmed dashing in the direction of the trains leaving the capital.

Comparable frantic scenes had been pictured at Paddington station and King’s Cross.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q: CAN RELATIVES IN TIERS 1, 2 OR 3 VISIT FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN TIER 4?

A: No. No person can journey into Tier 4 from different areas from right now, even to see household for Christmas.

Q: CAN I SEE MY FAMILY IF I LIVE IN TIER 3 AND THEY LIVE IN TIER 3?

A: The Authorities is advising individuals to remain native and preserve visits brief.

Q: CAN I SPEND THE NIGHT WITH MY PARTNER IN TIER 3 OR 4?

A: No. In a single day stays exterior your private home are banned.

Q: BUT I WANT TO GIVE MY GRAN A HUG?

A: Not if you happen to stay in Tier 4. You should keep at dwelling and never socialise with different households. All different Tiers are informed to maintain Christmas visits brief and keep native.

BREAKDOWN: NEW COVID RULES

Q: WHAT DOES TIER 4 MEAN FOR CHRISTMAS?

A: There will be no indoor family mixing. You should keep inside your individual family. You can not go to another households over Christmas whereas residing in Tier 4.

Q: WHAT ABOUT TIERS 1, 2 & 3?

A: You may go to kinfolk indoors solely on Christmas Day. However Prof Whitty urged individuals to maintain their visits as “native and as brief as attainable”.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE ELDERLY?

A: Assist bubbles stay in place for these in isolation and loneliness.

TRUMP SLAMS UK TIER 4

President Trump has slammed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Twitter following the PMs selections to backtrack on rules surrounding the vacation season.

Trump tweeted: “We don’t wish to have lockdowns. The remedy can’t be worse than the issue itself!”

FURY OVER LAST MINUTE CANCELATION OF CHRSITMAS

POLICE CALL NEW RESTRICTIONS “BAFFLING”

Cops have stated Tier 4 guidelines “don’t make sense” – they usually “gained’t be knocking on doorways on Christmas Day” to verify Brits are following the foundations.

Metropolitan Police Federation boss Ken Marsh slammed the brand new restrictions as “baffling” after festive bubbles had been axed for hundreds of thousands in London and the South East.

Ken Marsh informed MailOnline that the PM had “misplaced the nice will of the individuals” over the festive interval, after promising Brits they might be capable to take pleasure in Christmas with members of the family.

He stated: “It doesn’t make sense. It’s going to be no completely different now from the way it was. 

“We’re not going to be knocking on individuals’s doorways on Christmas Day. We now have no energy of entry.

“’It’s only a disgrace as a result of I don’t suppose individuals are going to take a lot discover.

“You’ve misplaced the goodwill of the general public. They’re so pissed off.”

NEW COVID STRAIN ’70 PER CENT MORE CONTAGIOUS’

It is thought the brand new pressure – referred to as VUI202012/01 – emerged in London and the South East as early as September, Sir Patrick Vallance stated at a Downing Avenue briefing.

Total Covid instances have greater than doubled, as information reveals a pointy enhance in hospital admissions throughout London and the South.

Talking right now at a No10 briefing, the Prime Minsiter stated the brand new pressure is as much as “70 per cent extra transmissible” than the unique model of the illness”.