UK hints at second national lockdown

The UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, has refused to rule out the imposition of a second national lockdown.

Speaking to Sky News he said: “The number of people in hospital is doubling every eight days or so ... we will do what it takes to keep people safe.”

Asked about the possibility of a two-week imposition of national restrictions to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, he added: “A national lockdown is the last line of defence and we want to use local action.”

He added: “I want to avoid a national lockdown.”

Pressed on the possibility of a national lockdown, Hancock said:

It isn’t something that we ever take off the table, but it isn’t something that we want to see either.

The country once again needs to come together and recognise there is a serious challenge. That the virus is accelerating. Unfortunately, it isn’t just cases increasing, it’s also the number of people ending up in hospital increasing.

Stricter Covid restrictions imposed in Lancashire, Merseyside and Warrington:

Millions of people across north-west England and Yorkshire will be banned from mixing with other families under tougher restrictions announced to control the spread of coronavirus.

The measures, which will come into force on Tuesday, will prohibit residents in Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington, West Yorkshire, Halton in Cheshire, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands from meeting others outside their support bubbles and include a 10pm curfew on nightlife. Blackpool is the only area in the county to be exempted from the restrictions.

People in affected areas should only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work, and avoid attending amateur or semi-professional sports events as spectators. Residents should also take holidays only with people in their own household or support bubble.

Preston, Pendle and Blackburn with Darwen, which already had restrictions in place, will be included under the stricter measures.