12-15-2020, 04:35 AM
Covid: Millions more face tier 3 as new strain identified
![[图: _116084812_mediaitem116084811.jpg]](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/5558/production/_116084812_mediaitem116084811.jpg)
Millions more people in England are set to move into the toughest Covid restrictions after ministers warned that
a new Covid strain of the virus may be linked to a rise in infections.
London, most of Essex and parts of Hertfordshire will join tier three at 00:01 GMT on Wednesday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said action was needed immediately to slow an "exponential" spike in cases.
No 10 rejected suggestions it might now review Christmas guidelines.
Under tier three rules pubs and restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery,
and indoor entertainment venues - such as theatres, bowling alleys and cinemas - must remain shut.
The announcement will move about 10.8 million people into tier three, with 61% of England's population -
or 34 million people - under the toughest restrictions from Wednesday.
It comes as a weekly review of Scotland's Covid-19 levels system will be held later. All 32 local authority areas
will have their situation assessed by politicians and public health officials.
Speaking at a Downing Street briefing on Monday evening, Mr Hancock said the virus was doubling in some
areas of England roughly every seven days.
It would only take a few doublings of cases for hospitals in the capital, Essex and Kent to be "overwhelmed",
he warned.
The new restrictions were met with anger from a number of sectors from the economy, with the hospitality
industry warning the move would put thousands of jobs at risk.
Mr Hancock acknowledged the measures would be a "blow" to people and businesses, but said "further action"
could not be ruled out.
Read more news at : slotxo
Millions more people in England are set to move into the toughest Covid restrictions after ministers warned that
a new Covid strain of the virus may be linked to a rise in infections.
London, most of Essex and parts of Hertfordshire will join tier three at 00:01 GMT on Wednesday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said action was needed immediately to slow an "exponential" spike in cases.
No 10 rejected suggestions it might now review Christmas guidelines.
Under tier three rules pubs and restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery,
and indoor entertainment venues - such as theatres, bowling alleys and cinemas - must remain shut.
The announcement will move about 10.8 million people into tier three, with 61% of England's population -
or 34 million people - under the toughest restrictions from Wednesday.
It comes as a weekly review of Scotland's Covid-19 levels system will be held later. All 32 local authority areas
will have their situation assessed by politicians and public health officials.
Speaking at a Downing Street briefing on Monday evening, Mr Hancock said the virus was doubling in some
areas of England roughly every seven days.
It would only take a few doublings of cases for hospitals in the capital, Essex and Kent to be "overwhelmed",
he warned.
The new restrictions were met with anger from a number of sectors from the economy, with the hospitality
industry warning the move would put thousands of jobs at risk.
Mr Hancock acknowledged the measures would be a "blow" to people and businesses, but said "further action"
could not be ruled out.
Read more news at : slotxo