UK Faces COVID-19 Variant Surge... 'New Level 4 Measures to Reinstate Lockdown'

Reduced Restrictions During Christmas Period
Fast-Spreading Variant Confirmed

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The UK government has decided to implement emergency lockdown measures as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) accelerates. It has withdrawn from the plan to ease restrictions for five days during the Christmas season and decided to restrict multiple households from staying together except on Christmas Day.

According to the British daily The Guardian and others on the 19th (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an upgrade to COVID-19 response level 4 in some areas including London after discussing response measures with cabinet members. Level 4 is a measure not included in the existing level 3 response and is equivalent to the lockdown measures maintained throughout last month. The decision was influenced by the judgment that the level 3 response was insufficient to curb the spread of COVID-19.

From the 20th, areas in southeastern England such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Portsmouth, and areas in eastern England such as Luton, Hertfordshire, and Essex, which were under level 3, have been designated as level 4 areas.

The UK government had implemented a full lockdown for the past four weeks and announced regional level 3 measures starting from the 2nd of this month. However, judging that regional measures failed to suppress the spread, it newly established level 4, which is equivalent to the previous lockdown level.

Under these measures, stores, gyms, hair salons, and other businesses except for essential services must close. People are required to stay at home except for cases where working from home is impossible, attending school or childcare, or exercising. In public places, one may meet only one member from another household. The UK government has decided to maintain these measures until the 30th for now.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Additionally, the UK government has reduced the eased restriction that allowed up to three households to stay together during the Christmas period. Originally, the plan was to allow up to three households to stay together for five days starting from the 23rd, but due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, it has been scaled back to permit this only on Christmas Day.

The reason for the UK government's rapid escalation of COVID-19 response measures is the spread of the COVID-19 variant virus. This variant, known as 'VUI-202012/01,' is more infectious compared to the existing virus.

Prime Minister Johnson said, "We will not be able to spend Christmas as planned," and added, "I am very heavy-hearted to announce such measures."