British PM plans another lockdown for England

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The United Kingdom once again faces another lockdown after the country surpasses the 1 million mark in the number of coronavirus cases.
• British prime minister Boris Johnson was hesitant to have the nation undergo another lockdown because of economic reasons.
• The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the epicenter of COVID-19 had shifted back to Europe.

On Saturday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that England would undergo another lockdown following the more than a million mark of coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom (U.K.).

On the same day, the U.K.’s health department listed new cases at 21,915, which brings the country’s total numbers to 1,011,660 since the health crisis started.

British Times reported that Johnson was initially anticipated to release updated measures on Monday. However, a senior government authority told the outlet that early Saturday that while a decision is yet to be finalized, the data indicates a non-favorable scenario.

The unnamed source also reportedly told the British Times that as the COVID-19 case continues to rise all over the country, the hospitals remain to have difficulties in dealing with the situation.  This has led the government to change its position over the crisis.

In the second lockdown procedure, non-essential businesses, relaxation and entertainment establishments will be shut down. Bars, saloons, and restaurants are only allowed to operate for deliveries and carryout.

Residents will only be permitted to go out of their homes for work purposes if remote jobs are not possible, for schooling, grab essential items and food, and do out-of-doors fitness activities with that person’s house.

For purposes such as health, medical, injury, or care provision to other who are incapable, people can also leave. Construction and manufacturing jobs are also allowed to operate.

Following a voting session with the Parliament next week, the shutdown is expected to be implemented by Thursday and will continue to run until the first day of December. The British prime minister was diffident in having another lockdown considering its economic recovery from the first shutdown earlier in the spring.

The latest development was also following Germany and France’s announcement of lockdowns on Wednesday as Europe faces sudden spikes of new coronavirus cases.

On Thursday, the World Health Organization announced that Europe had become the outbreak’s epicenter once more.

The Associated Press reports that there are around  10 million positive COVID-19 cases in the region since the contagion started. 

Source: The Hill