Christmas will be “perhaps very different” this year, Johnson said as UK goes into second lockdown

U.K. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on Saturday announced a new month-long lockdown for England as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.

About 20,000 cases of the disease are being reported daily, hospitals admitting almost 2,000 daily and deaths have reached  almost 200 each day.

England's medical chief officer, Prof Chris Whitty said the reduction of Covid cases was as a result of strict adherence to social distancing guidelines but that as lockdown restrictions were eased, cases surged. He said if nothing is done, the numbers are expected to reach 3,000 hospitalizations a day, above the spring peak, and deaths could reach 800 per day or more.

The lockdown is slated to start on Thursday 4th November and last through 2nd December.

Johnson said, “We’ve got to be humble in the face of nature, and in this country, alas, as across much of Europe the virus is spreading even faster than the worst-case scenario of our scientific advisers.” Deaths could reach several thousand a day if the nation doesn’t act, he said.

Beyond the loss of life, an exponential growth in the number of patients will overwhelm the country’s National Health Service. “The risk is that for the first time in our lives, the NHS will not be there for us and our families,” Johnson said.

However, schools and educational institutions remain open as Johnson said,“We cannot let this virus damage our children’s futures even more than it has already". He encouraged parents to continue sending their children to school.

Johnson said residents will be required to stay home except for education, work that cannot be done at home, exercise or recreation outdoors, medical appointments, or to shop for essentials or care for others. Bars and restaurants will have to close except for takeout and delivery. Supermarkets will stay open.

Wales has had a lockdown for a week already. Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy and other European countries are also in various stages of lockdown as virus cases skyrocket throughout Europe.Johnson hedged on whether the lockdown could continue past Dec. 2, saying it will depend on the science.

Johnson hedged on whether the lockdown could continue past Dec. 2, saying it will depend on the science.

Christmas will be “perhaps very different” this year, Johnson said.