England is going into a second national lockdown as Covid-19 infections rise across Europe.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered that all non-essential businesses close again, citing a resurgence in Covid-19 cases. However, the Prime Minister is allowing schools to remain open in an effort to keep students engaged and learning, Johnson announced in a national televised address delivered on Saturday.
People in England have been ordered to stay at home unless it is for essential purposes, including education, medical reasons, or to shop for groceries, the Prime Minister announced. Pubs, bars and restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services.
Some industries that can’t work from home, such as construction and manufacturing, will continue. The lockdown will take effect starting November 5 and will end on December 2. A government program that financially assists furloughed employees will be extended during the new lockdown, said the Prime Minister.
The move in England follows similar announcements from Germany and France last week, which also declared new nationwide lockdowns in an effort to gain control of the worsening Covid-19 outbreak.
The United Kingdom is reporting more than 22,600 Covid-19 cases based on a weekly average, far higher than its first peak in the spring when it reported an average of 4,800 new cases.