Tighter social restrictions could be imposed if coronavirus infections continue to rise, a minister has suggested.
Helen Whately said “we don’t want to” bring in measures taking the UK back towards a second national lockdown but cautioned the government is keeping a “constant eye” on COVID-19 cases.
Asked on Sky News’ Kay Burley show what changes people should prepare for, the social care minister pointed to the rules banning household mixing in parts of northwest and northeast England.
It follows a report in The Times that a “total social lockdown” could be enforced across much of northern Britain and London – with all pubs and restaurants ordered to shut for two weeks.
Households would also be banned from meeting each in other in any indoor location, but schools, shops and offices would remain open.
Ms Whately did not deny the plan is being considered, warning there has been a recent “upward trend” in coronavirus cases and the country is at a “serious moment in time” during the pandemic.
She also called a video of Liverpool residents seemingly partying and not social distancing after pubs closed at 10pm “worrying”, as tougher fines come into force for anyone caught not self-isolating who should be.
