OREANDA-NEWS. Prime Minister of Great Britain Boris Johnson announced the introduction of a new national lockdown in the country due to the increased spread of coronavirus infection.

According to the politician, the spread of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 worries the authorities of the country. He noted that scientists have proved that the new strain is 50–70 % more infectious than the previously known ones. In this regard, hospitals are experiencing a much greater burden than at any time during the entire period of the pandemic, and the resources of the health system without new restrictive measures could be exhausted in three weeks.

The restrictions will take effect from January 5. All primary and secondary schools in the United Kingdom will switch to distance learning.

Other bans will come into force on January 6. Mandatory self-isolation will be introduced throughout the country: citizens will be allowed to leave their homes only to work, to buy food and essentials, to receive medical care or to play sports.