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The government imposed a lockdown on England to last until 2 December. On television, Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, looking unhappy, said of Christmas: ‘It’s my sincere hope and belief that by taking tough action now we can allow families across the country to be together.’ People would have to stay at home except for work that couldn’t be done there. The furlough scheme, due to have expired at the end of October, was extended for the new lockdown period. Exercise and recreation outdoors were allowed. Households might not mix indoors or even meet one person in a private garden. Schools and universities were to stay open. Non-essential shops were closed, along with restaurants and pubs, which, in a last-minute concession, were permitted to sell alcohol to take away. Churches were banned from holding services or weddings but allowed to open for private prayer. The government revived the motto: ‘Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.’
The Prime Minister had been bounced into making the announcement on Saturday 31 October by a leak the day before of plans from the ‘Quad’ committee of himself, Michael Gove, Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock.
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