When is the next UK lockdown review? – The Sun
BRITS are braving England's third national lockdown as transmission rates once again soar across the UK.
But when will the lockdown be reviewed and when can we expect the next announcement? Here's what we know.
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When is the next UK lockdown review?
By law, the UK government must review lockdown restrictions every two weeks.
The last government review of England’s lockdown took place on Tuesday, January 19 – so the next review will take place before February 2.
A statement issued by Matt Hancock on Tuesday said: “On 19 January I completed a review of both the geographical allocations and the restrictions as required by the regulations and have determined that the measures remain necessary and proportionate for all areas in England.
“Whilst there are early indications that new infections may have started to decline in those areas which have been under stricter measures for the longest, scientific advice and the latest epidemiological data is clear that lifting restrictions now would be too early.
“The restrictions are kept under continual review and will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.”
While lockdown rules are reviewed every fortnight, national restrictions are still expected to be extended into March.
Boris Johnson has warned it is “too early” to say when lockdown restrictions will be lifted – instead promising to “take stock” of the rules in mid-February.
The government has set a target of offering the vaccine to Britain’s four most vulnerable groups by February 15.
On Monday, January 17, Mr Johnson vowed: "We are going as fast as we can, we will do everything we can, obviously, to open up.
"But when we come to February 15, that's the moment we have to take stock, that's the time to look at where the virus is."
The PM added: "It's only really then that we can talk about what steps we can take to relax."
But he cautious Brits to temper their optimism, saying: "I'm afraid we've got to warn people it will be gradual."
When is Boris Johnson's next announcement?
It is not known when Boris Johnson will address the British public next.
However, the PM is believed to be considering tougher Covid rules as cases remain high across the country.
Boris Johnson will answer questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, January 27 as part of Prime Minister’s Questions.
Home Secretary Priti Patel will also hold a press conference tonight (January 21) at 5pm, starting with an address to the nation.
Ministers are doing regular press conferences to keep the public updating during the third national lockdown.
She will be accompanied by Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England regional medical director for London.
What can we expect from the next announcement?
The Home Secretary is expected to implore Brits to follow current lockdown rules in her address tonight (January 21) – and may threaten even tougher action if the numbers don't start to climb down.
Earlier this week Ms Patel said it was a "long way" until restrictions can start to be lifted.
And Boris Johnson today warned that the new Covid strain is "much more contagious" when questioned whether the lockdown may not be eased until the summer.
The Prime Minister told reporters it is "absolutely crucial" to obey the current restrictions "in what is unquestionably going to be a tough few weeks ahead".
What restrictions are currently in place?
Restrictions vary across the four nations of Britain. Here are the restrictions currently in place in each country.
ENGLAND
Under the latest lockdown restrictions in England, you can only leave home for limited, essential reasons.
You are allowed out of your house to buy essential food and medicine supplies, attend medical appointments and exercise.
Brits can also go to work if it cannot be done from home, as well providing care for a vulnerable person and attending education if eligible.
All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges have been moved to remote lessons – except for vulnerable and key worker children.
Nurseries and special schools remain open.
Non-essential shops, bars, cafes and restaurants are closed – except for takeaways.
The new rules also mean Brits cannot travel unless absolutely necessary – for example, for work purposes.
WALES
Wales entered a national lockdown just before Christmas 2020.
People must stay at home, save for essential reasons and all schools bar nurseries have been moved to remote online learning.
Schools and colleges are only open for key worker kids and vulnerable learners.
In Wales, you must not meet up with people outside your household, unless they are currently in your support bubble.
Wedding receptions and funeral wakes are currently barred.
You must work from home if possible and travel is barred unless it's for essential or work reasons.
Places of worship are currently open in Wales – but social venues, theatres, gyms, and golf courses are currently closed.
Lockdown measures will be reviewed on January 29.
SCOTLAND
On Tuesday, January 5, mainland Scotland entered lockdown.
Scotland then tightened its lockdown rules on January 13.
Under the new rules click and collect is only allowed for essential items such as clothes, footwear, baby equipment, homeware and books.
Key-cutting, shoe repairs, garden centres and plant nurseries can also offer collection services.
Takeaway rules have been tightened in Scotland – and people are no longer able to go inside to collect takeaway food or coffee.
Instead, businesses must use a hatch or doorway service.
Scots must work from home if possible and the new regulations require people to stay at home unless for essential purposes.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the tough Covid curbs will remain in place until "at least the middle of February".
NORTHERN IRELAND
A six-week lockdown began in Northern Ireland on 26 December.
As with other lockdowns, you must stay at home except for essential purposes.
You can still visit your support bubble, leave the house to buy food or pick up medicines – and for other essential purposes like exercise.
However, members of the public have been told they must not travel more than 10 miles from their house for exercise.
In Northern Ireland, you can meet up to six people from a maximum of two households in an outdoor public setting – but not in a private garden.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has recommended extending the country’s lockdown until 5 March, with a review date of 18 February.
When did lockdown start?
The first lockdown started on March 23, 2020. Restrictions continued into July.
The second lockdown in England was announced on October 31, despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowing to do "everything in his power" to avoid the measures.
The measures came into force on Thursday, November 5, and ended on December 2.
On January 4, 2021, a third national lockdown was confirmed in England after weeks of increasingly severe tiers across England as cases climbed.
Announcing the most recent lockdown in England, Boris Johnson said: "The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that we are entering the last phase of the struggle.”
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