Boris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown for England, with people told to stay at home and schools closed for most children from tomorrow.
The prime minister revealed the action in a televised address tonight, saying there was a “material risk” of NHS in several areas being overwhelmed over the next 21 days.
The public are being asked to follow the new rules, which replace the tiers system.
This means people across the whole country must now stay at home, with the following exceptions:
- For work, if people cannot work from home
- To shop for necessities such as food or medicines
- To exercise once per day at a local location. This can include with one other person from outside someone’s household or support/childcare bubble
- To provide care or help to vulnerable people
- To attend medical appointments or medical care, or to flee the threat of harm or violence.
Primary and secondary schools will move to remote learning from tomorrow, except for vulnerable children and those of key workers.