Coronavirus rates across England have continued to surge, and many are calling for a second national lockdown to save Christmas.
Germany and France announced second lockdown plans this week, joining the likes of Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands.
The total number of UK coronavirus cases is nearing one million mark, and the death rate on Friday was 31% more than the previous Friday.
Could a second national lockdown be on the table to help stop the rising deaths, and when could it be announced? Here is what we know so far.
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Is there going to be another national lockdown?
Nothing has been confirmed, but it is reported that Boris Johnson is seriously considering implementing a full lockdown in England amid the rising Covid-19 cases.
Mr Johnson held a meeting on Friday afternoon with senior cabinet ministers Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock, and that they left feeling that they ‘have no choice but to implement national restrictions’, according to The Times.
Mr Johnson previously said he did not want to put the country back into another national lockdown.
He and his government have said that they ‘are going to do everything in our power to prevent’ a national lockdown, as he believes it would be ‘disastrous’ for the economy.
However, the recent surge in cases has reportedly forced Mr Johnson to reconsider his stance.
Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales implement their own coronavirus restrictions independently.
When could the second national lockdown be announced?
The same report from The Times said that if there is a second lockdown, it could be imposed as soon as Wednesday.
This means that the announcement could come any time before then, but most likely it will be on Monday evening – the first national lockdown was announced on Monday, March 23.
How long could a second national lockdown last?
Reports suggest the new lockdown could last until December 1.
This would mean that non-essential stores could open back up in time for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
The Black Friday sales will have to exclusively be online this year.
What would another national lockdown mean – what could the rules be?
If there is a second lockdown, gyms, cinemas, pubs, restaurants, and other public hospitality venues may have to close – as per the first lockdown.
It is suggested that non-essential shops will also have to close, but essential stores will be permitted to remain open.
It is currently unclear what types of shops will be deemed essential, but most likely this will include grocery shops, pharmacies, bike and auto part stores, and DIY stores.
It is not yet known how hairdressers, barbers, and beauty salons could be affected by new restrictions.
Social gathering guidelines would probably echo those in place in tier three regions of England, which includes a ban on all household mixing, except in outdoor public places such as parks and beaches – support bubbles and childcare bubbles are expected to be exempt from this.
Under the first lockdown, people were only permitted to leave their house once a day for exercise or for essential reasons, while couples living apart could not see each other unless they were in a bubble.
It remains to be seen whether or not similar rules could be imposed again.
Will schools close again?
Schools and universities will reportedly stay open in the event of a second national lockdown.
Each school and university will have to ensure that strict Covid-19 safety measurements are in place, such as staggered class times, and face masks in the hallways.
Education across the country was moved online during the first lockdown.
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