U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering a month-long lockdown across England to stem a surge in coronavirus cases, several media outlets reported on Saturday.
The new “stay at home” order could be announced as early as Monday, the BBC reported. According to The Times, the lockdown would come into effect on Wednesday and last until December 1. Everything but essential shops and educational facilities, such as schools and universities, would be shut.
England currently uses a three-tier restriction system, introduced only in mid-October, meaning areas apply a set of different measures according to the local coronavirus situation. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own restriction policies.
Both the BBC and the Times reported that no final decisions had yet been taken on whether to implement a national lockdown. The Times, citing a senior government source, also said introducing a tougher “fourth tier” was being considered.
On Friday, the U.K. reported more than 24,000 new coronavirus cases. Several European countries, including Belgium and France, have already announced fresh lockdowns this week.
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