Katy Balls Katy Balls

Johnson tightens Covid rules

Photo by Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament

After weeks of speculation over the government’s new Covid restrictions grading system, the Prime Minister today announced the details. Addressing MPs in the Commons chamber, Boris Johnson confirmed that his strategy was entering a new phase with a three-tier system. Rather than a traffic light system with a green for go, the regional categories are medium, high and very high. 

Setting out the measures, Johnson attempted to say that he was striking a middle ground. He pointed to data suggesting the number of cases had quadrupled over the last three weeks as evidence that new steps were needed. However, he made a point of ruling out a national lockdown, at least for the time being, arguing that it would deprive children of their education and significantly damage the economy.

However, the new measures are still restrictive. They come into force on Wednesday with a list expected later today on which level areas fall into which restrictions.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in