UK residents will have to make do with tighter restrictions of their Christmas festivities as a new strain of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading in the country faster than other viruses.
A new set of tighter rules and guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 includes restrictions on household mixing that was supposed to be relaxed for the Christmas celebrations in England. Wales and Scotland also announced stricter measures, as per reports from CNN.
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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that cases have been surging across London, and larger parts of eastern and southern England. These areas will be placed under Tier 4 restrictions, which would be similar to a lockdown.
“The spread is being driven by the new variant of the virus. It appears to spread more easily and may be up to 70% more transmissable than the earlier strain,” said Johnson.
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UK’s alert Level 4 stipulates that all residents must stay at home, except for essential purposes. They are also not allowed to visit other households or people that they do not live with. Many businesses will also be forced to temporarily close their shops.
