Britain is at COVID-19 tipping point, health minister says

London, September 20

Britain is at a tipping level on COVID-19, well being minister Matt Hancock mentioned on Sunday, warning {that a} second nationwide lockdown might be imposed if individuals do not observe authorities guidelines designed to cease the unfold of the virus.

COVID-19 circumstances have risen sharply in current weeks, with 3,899 reported on Sunday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has known as it a second wave and stricter lockdown measures have been launched in areas throughout the country—with London probably subsequent in line.

“The nation faces a tipping point and we have a choice,” Hancock instructed Sky News. “The choice is either that everybody follows the rules … or we will have to take more measures.” Hancock later instructed the BBC {that a} second nationwide lockdown was doable choice.

“I don’t rule it out, I don’t want to see it,” he mentioned.

Johnson introduced fines of as much as 10,000 kilos ($12,900) on Saturday for individuals in England who break new guidelines requiring them to self-isolate if they’ve been in touch with somebody contaminated with COVID-19.

In addition to tighter guidelines on social gatherings throughout the nation, a number of cities and areas in Britain have had ‘native lockdowns’ imposed, limiting much more strictly when, the place and the way many individuals can meet up socially.

Asked about feedback from London mayor Sadiq Khan, who mentioned on Friday new restrictions have been more and more probably within the capital, Hancock mentioned: “I’ve had discussions this week with the Mayor of London, and the teams are meeting today to discuss further what might be needed.”

Hancock was additionally requested on Times Radio about the potential for Londoners being instructed to do business from home later this week, and mentioned: “Well, I wouldn’t rule it out”.

The opposition Labour Party chief Keir Starmer mentioned he would assist no matter measures the federal government brings ahead, however criticised the federal government’s testing system for not having the capability to take care of elevated demand as colleges returned. Reuters