The UK’s Christmas plans are divided with a tough new lock for 18 million people – BBC News

In a dramatic change in policy, millions of people across England have been put under a tougher level of coronavirus restrictions, which means families will not be able to get involved at all this Christmas. Boris Johnson made the announcement after scientists said the Covid-19 mutation was spreading rapidly in London, the south-east and east of England. The variant is said to be much more contagious, but does not appear to cause more serious diseases. From midnight onwards, new Level 4 restrictions will come into force, affecting all of the current Tier 3 areas, including London, the South East and East of England. The public is asked to stay home and there will be no so-called “Christmas bubbles” for gatherings. Social gatherings will be limited to meeting with another person in an open public place. Non-essential shops will be closed, as well as gyms, beauty salons and hairdressers. For 1st and 3rd graders living in England, “Christmas Bubble” gatherings can only be held on Christmas Day. The original plan was for 5 days. Meanwhile, all of Wales is entering a new blockade as restrictions have only been eased for Christmas Day, and Scotland is also easing its rules on Christmas Day, enforcing the highest level of restrictions for the whole country on Boxing Day. Northern Ireland has already announced an international closure from Boxing Day. Political editor Clive Myrie Laura Kuenssberg, Alexandra Mackenzie in Glasgow, James Williams in Cardiff and medical editor Fergus Walsh have presented BBC News reports. Please subscribe HERE .

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