new England-wide coronavirus measures
The UK government is considering new England-wide coronavirus measures that could see hospitality businesses being forced to close, or have their opening hours limited.
According to the BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg, a short period of national rules – a “circuit break” for a few weeks – could be announced soon.
During this time, schools and most workplaces would be kept open. No final decision has yet been made.
Meanwhile, new local lockdown rules are set to be brought in for Lancashire, with the exception of Blackpool, the BBC understands. And nearly two million people in north-east England are now living under tightened restrictions, which came into force today.
The government’s chief scientific adviser and medical officer warn there could be a significant number of deaths by the end of October without further interventions.
