Fears are mounting that the number of daily coronavirus cases could reach figures seen in March and April.
Boris Johnson said the second wave of the epidemic had hit the UK, and new cases of coronavirus in England were estimated to have doubled in the past week.
Meanwhile, London mayor Sadiq Khan stressed that there should be no delay, saying: “I am of the opinion that we should not wait, as has happened in the last six months, for the virus to grow out of control before taking action.”
He said the capital “has a high probability of” falling within the limits set.
“I urge all Londoners to be as vigilant as possible this weekend. Please think carefully about your actions – strictly follow the rules of social exclusion, wash your hands and cover your face to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
Their comments came as new confirmed daily cases of coronavirus reached 4,322 – the highest number since May 8 – and 27 more people died. The number R, which indicates the spread of the virus, is now between 1.1 and 1.4.
With COVID-19 cases now recurring every seven to eight days, the government intends to introduce nationwide measures in the short term to try to “slow down” the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
Major changes in the Northwest, West Yorkshire, Midlands and Northeast have been put under some local coronavirus restrictions.
Government statistics have emphasized plans to stop the country’s closure, as seen in the spring, when the country is told to stay home.
Proposals for such “regional leave” could see significant travel to schools and workplaces continue, but restaurants and bars would be closed – or perhaps operated at restricted times – and different families would be asked not to meet at all.
Limits may be set for two weeks, but the time and duration of the steps have yet to be finalized. There have been speculations about the closure that occurred during the school term in October.
There are growing fears that the number of daily coronavirus cases, in a few weeks, will hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take drastic measures now and “reduce” the disease.
It is understandable that they have warned the UK now that it has about six weeks left behind France and Spain and is in danger of seeing a dramatic increase in cases by mid-October if the virus remains uncontrolled.
Matt Hancock, health secretary, told that the national ban was “a last resort”.
ID Downing Street is reluctant to take such steps back, knowing full well how much damage it can do to the economy and public health in the long run.
The Treasury Department, along with many supporters of Mr Johnson and others in his Cabinet, are of the view that the country cannot go back to full closure and must use all other means to avoid such a situation.