Boris Faces Fury Over Lockdown Delay
Boris Johnson is under fire for dragging his feet on imposing Covid restrictions. Experts warn the delay could come with a “very real” human cost. Last month, the PM ignored calls from scientists for a quick, two-week “circuit-break” lockdown. But with local measures failing to curb infections, he’s been forced to send the nation back into lockdown.
What You Need to Know About the New Lockdown
The fresh restrictions will mirror the full lockdown from spring, but with slightly lighter rules. Here’s the lowdown:
- Stay at home unless for specific reasons like work that can’t be done remotely, childcare, education, outdoor exercise, medical care, essential shopping, volunteering, or supporting vulnerable people.
- No indoor socialising: Meeting indoors or in private gardens is banned. Outside, you can only meet one person from another household in a public place.
- Non-essential shops must shut, but click-and-collect stays open.
- Pubs, bars, and restaurants close except for takeaway and delivery—alcohol takeaway banned.
- Gyms, swimming pools, entertainment venues, and beauty salons close.
- Places of worship shut unless for funerals, individual prayer, broadcasting services, essential childcare, blood donation, or food banks.
- Construction sites and factories can keep running.
- Weddings and civil partnerships are off, except in exceptional cases; funerals capped at 30 people.
- Children of separated parents can move between homes.
- Clinically vulnerable folks must be extra cautious but no return to shielding.
- No overnight stays, second homes, or holidays in the UK or abroad, except for work trips.
- Avoid all non-essential travel by any means.
Lockdown Backlash Mounts
pCritics say the government’s hesitation has made matters worse. “This delay will cost lives,” warned a health expert. Boris will hope this tighter squeeze prevents spiralling deaths and Covid chaos – but public patience is running thin.
