Areas of England could face being placed under rolling ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdowns if transmission rates increase again, according to reports.
The prime minister promised that England’s national lockdown will end on December 2 and that it would return to the regional three-tier system.
But ministers are said to be considering a new ‘pump the break’ strategy, which would see certain areas placed into ‘on-off’ lockdowns if their transmission rates creep up again.
Department of Health chiefs are believed to have begun talks with local leaders about the idea and are also considering introducing a more severe tier four.
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A source close to the discussions told The Sun: ‘They were talking about their new strategy for when Boris Johnson goes back to regional measures.
‘They said they may need two or three circuit breakers at incremental periods.
‘They are using a new phrase to sum this up – pumping the brakes.’
Mr Johnson previously told the nation that ‘without a shred of doubt’ the four-week lockdown restrictions would be lifted as planned in early December.
This is despite experts and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove admitting that it could be extended if the R rate is not successfully brought down.
Scientists have highlighted that the nation’s second lockdown is not as severe as the first, with schools and more workplaces remaining open – meaning it could take longer for transmission rates to fall.
Documents published late last week by SAGE appear to be cautioning against the prime minister’s preferred tiered approach.
The papers reveal the current restrictions may not be enough to allow families to be together at Christmas and they may need to become ‘progressively more stringent’ to tackle the pandemic.
It read: ‘If England returns to the same application of the tiering system in place before November 5, then transmission will return to the same rate of increase as today.’
The Government’s scientists believe families will only be able to gather over the festive period if the R rate stays below one for ‘some time’.
However, the reproduction rate has already dropped to between 1 and 1.2, say experts.
The plans come as Mr Johnson has been forced to go back into self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.
But the PM, who previously battled the virus in intensive care, told the nation he feels ‘great’ and ‘fit as a butcher’s dog’, as he urged people to stick to restrictions and get tested regularly.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/11/16/on-off-lockdowns-being-considered-for-parts-of-england-13600035/