Prime Minister announces third national lockdown

PEOPLE have been instructed to stay at home as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the third national lockdown for England, which is expected to last until mid-February.

The prime minister announced the latest lockdown in a TV address tonight (Monday) night, with COVID-19 cases rising rapidly in every part of the country due to the new coronavirus variant. It will become law during the early hours of Wednesday.
Members of the public are being asked to follow the new rules, which replace the tiers system.
It is expected the latest lockdown in England will last until at least the middle of February, at which point it is hoped the most vulnerable will have all been offered the first dose of a vaccine.
People across the country must now stay at home apart from five exceptions:
• For work, if people cannot work from home, such as those in the construction sector or key workers
• To shop for necessities such as food or medicines
• To exercise once per day at a local location. This can include with one other person from outside someone’s household or support/childcare bubble
• To provide care or help to vulnerable people
• To attend medical appointments, get medical care or a coronavirus test, or to flee the threat of harm or violence.

All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will now move to online learning from tomorrow.
In response to the news Warrington North Mp Charlotte Nichols said:”This evening the Prime Minister has announced new COVID-19 restrictions, including the closure of schools and calling on us to ‘stay at home’- apart from a number of exceptions which can be found at gov.uk/Coronavirus
“With the rapid spread of the new variant, and the failure to follow the international best practice for containing the virus, there has been a grim inevitability to these latest restrictions.
“Our best route out of the restrictions is through the vaccination programme, which must be accelerated. The Government must also make significant improvements to contact tracing, as well as increasing sick pay and isolation support. In addition, there must be a plan to support disadvantaged children whose educational attainment will be damaged by disruption to their education.
“We also need greater funding for mental health services to support people through these awful times. If you’re finding things difficult, help is available- the North West Boroughs Healthcare crisis line number for Warrington is 0800 051 1508 and Samaritans can be called on 116 123.“
Ahead of the announcement Warrington South MP Andy Carter said:”“ I’m afraid the spread of the new variant of COVID-19 has led to rapidly escalating case numbers across the country.
“Here in Warrington cases have risen by around 45% over the last seven days to 408 per 100k, now well above the national average.
“I agree with the Prime Minister that further steps must now be taken to arrest this rise and to protect the NHS and save lives.”

To find out more about COVID-19 testing, and to book a test if you have symptoms, visit warrington.gov.uk/get-tested-coronavirus
For the latest COVID-19 guidance for Warrington visit https://www.warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-latest-guidance
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