PM Johnson: Notified that COVID is spreading more rapidly in parts of UK, driven by a new strain of the virus, which experts say spreads more easily (up to 70% more easily); R-rate could increase by 0.4 or more; no evidence new strain is more dangerous or that vaccine will be less effective against it, implements new tier 4 restrictions, effective morning of Dec 20th
- Placing London and areas in southeast England in new Tier 4 level of restrictions, they must stay home and cannot overnight away from home
- In Tier 4 non-essential retail, indoor leisure, entertainment and personal care must close
- Requests everyone at all tiers remain local, people must work from home (unless they cannot)
- We must again look at Christmas, rule to allow 3 households to mix are limited to Christmas day only, Tier 4 areas cannot mix with anyone outside their households