Strict Lockdown Imposed in London
Londoners will face stricter COVID-19 restrictions as authorities have decided to move into a Tier 2 lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
In the United Kingdom, the COVID outbreak started in March but by June-July, the number of cases had reduced a lot. But now there is a sudden spike in the number of infections. This is why the UK government has introduced a new system to control the spread of COVID-19. As per this system, every area of the UK will be put in 3 categories - medium risk (Tier 1), high risk (Tier 2), or very high risk (Tier 3), depending on the local rate of coronavirus infection. As per the tier, the government will impose appropriate restrictions to control the infections. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced in the Parliament on Thursday 15th October that London falls in the Tier 2 category and severe COVID-19 restrictions will be imposed.
Areas in the UK such as Essex, York, and Chesterfield also fall under Tier 2. Government officials say that such restrictions are necessary to control infections. Businesses will be open “in name only” as unlike before now customers will not be able to walk in because of the rules. Social gatherings indoors are not allowed. According to the regulations, people must not meet with anybody outside their household in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make whenever possible. If travel is absolutely necessary they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. The city of Liverpool is in tier 3, which is the highest risk category. The government has shut down everything such as pubs, gyms, and betting shops which were earlier open. The UK has a total of more than 6.5 lakh COVID-19 cases. Over 43,245 patients have died after contracting the virus.
