PM Johnson likely to impose second lockdown for England

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson likely to impose a new month-long national lockdown in England next week after scientists warned the coronavirus was spreading faster than their worst predictions. The pandemic is spreading in most parts of Britain, where the official death toll of 46,299 is the highest in Europe. According to media reports Johnson is expected to  announce the new measures, which would allow only essential shops and schools, nurseries, and universities to remain open, 

Currently, the government has a three-tier system of restrictions for local areas in England, with Level 3 the highest. Scotland, Wales and North Ireland run their own policies on fighting the pandemic. A member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) warned on Saturday that the virus was “running riot” across all age groups.In the current system, Tier 3 includes a ban on mixing of people in different households, pubs and bars are closed, wedding receptions are not permitted, and travel to or from the area should be avoided.  The Government is also considering tougher regional measures, known as Tier 4, but ministers are said to be in favour of a nationwide policy.

A new lockdown would heap fresh pressure on finance ministry and the Bank of England(BoE) to increase their already huge support for the UK economy, the world’s sixth biggest. The economy slumped a record 20% in the spring and has been struggling to maintain its recovery. Some analysts have said the regional restrictions on businesses imposed in recent weeks will cause the economy to contract again in the fourth quarter and a national lockdown would inflict greater damage.