Boris Johnson: We are entering the last phase of the struggle

Boris Johnson just announced another lockdown for England after a new strain of the coronavirus was discovered. The variant is thought to be up to 7- percent more transmissible, meaning you are much more likely to catch it and pass it on.

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “As I speak to you tonight, our hospitals are under more pressure from Covid than at any time since the start of the pandemic.

“In England alone, the number of Covid patients in hospitals has increased by nearly a third in the last week, to almost 27,000.

“That number is 40 per cent higher than the first peak in April.”

Announcing a swathe of new restrictions, Mr Johnson said people may only leave home for limited reasons permitted in law, such as to shop for essentials, to work if you absolutely cannot work from home, to exercise, to seek medical assistance such as getting a Covid test, or to escape domestic abuse.

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He also announced schools would close from Tuesday while adding: “You should follow the new rules from now, and they will become law in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Parliament will meet – largely remotely – later that day.”

Exams have been cancelled, but nurseries and early years education can remain open.

But shops and hospitality must once again close their doors under the new rules.

Mr Johnson added: “The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that we are entering the last phase of the struggle.

“Because with every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people.

“And, thanks to the miracle of science, not only is the end in sight and we know exactly how we will get there.

“But for now, I am afraid, you must once again stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Can you meet other households? Can you meet someone for a walk?

The Government guidance says you can meet someone outdoors for exercise or a walk.

The advice reads: “You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

“You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

“You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.”

You must stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.

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