Covid-19: Boris Johnson Imposes Lockdown On London, Says ‘We Cannot Continue Christmas As Planned’

Due to the covid-19 upsurge in the country, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has imposed restrictions in parts of the country and urged citizens not to let down their guard, adding that “it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.”

Johnson made this known in a speech published on the UK Government’s website on Saturday.

According to him, his government has resolved to tighten measures only in areas with high covid-19 infection.

“I met ministers on the Covid Operations Committee last night and again first thing this morning, and Cabinet met at lunchtime to agree the following actions.

“First, we will introduce new restrictions in the most affected areas – specifically those parts of London, the South East and the East of England which are currently in tier 3.

“These areas will enter a new tier 4, which will be broadly equivalent to the national restrictions which were in place in England in November.

“That means: Residents in those areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close. People must work from home if they can, but may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors. People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas, and tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

“Unlike the November national restrictions, communal worship can continue to take place in tier 4 areas,” he said.

The UK joins other European countries in imposing new restrictions geared towards containing a covid-19 second wave.

“As Prime Minister, it is my duty to take the difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country. “We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas, so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases,” Johnson added.