Boris Johnson announcement: when the PM is expected to announce new coronavirus restrictions for the UK to slow spread of Covid-19

Ministers are said to be considering similar strict new measures for swathes of northern England, amid concerns the virus is spreading out of control.

When will Boris Johnson make the announcement?

Boris Johnson is expected to make a formal announcement of new measures in a statement to MPs on Monday.

The PM is expected to make a statement to MPs at around 3.30pm, announcing the new system of ‘local COVID alert levels’ in England.

This will come after a COBRA meeting this morning in which the details of the proposed three-tier lockdown system will be finalised.

At around 6 pm, Mr Johnson will host a televised press conference alongside Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, to address the public and answer questions.

‘This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus,’ Downing Street said.

What are the current restrictions in Portsmouth and Hampshire?

Portsmouth and Hampshire are under the lowest level of restrictions.

The ‘rule of six’ applies, where multiple households can meet up but only to a maximum of six people, both indoors and outdoors – and children count. Exceptions include if your household or support bubble is larger than six.Pubs, bars and restaurants must close at 10pm, and must use table service. Face coverings must be worn, except when seated to eat or drink.

Shops are open, and face coverings must be worn by customers and staff.

Face coverings must be worn on public transport and in public indoor areas such as cinemas.

What is the current infection rate in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has seen Portsmouth 121 new cases in the last seven days, an average of 56.3 per 100,000 people. While higher than the summer, this is much lower than northern cities such as Manchester and Liverpool which have seven-day rates of new cases well above 500 per 100,000 people, and in Nottingham’s which is currently the highest in the country with 760 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days – a total of 2,532.

Here’s the most recent government data on cases for each area of Hampshire.

What measures could be implemented in a three-tier lockdown?

In an effort to address the rising infection rates, the PM will likely introduce a three-tier system for local lockdowns, which would see different parts of England placed into different categories.

Areas that fall into tier one will have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 of population and will continue to follow national restrictions, such as the ‘rule of six’ and social distancing.

Those in tier two include areas where cases are above 100 per 100,000, with restrictions to be similar to those currently in place in large parts of northern England, including bans on household meetings.

Areas placed into tier three would include those with significantly higher infection rates and will likely face a full lockdown, which would see pubs, cafes and restaurants forced to close.

Will pubs and restaurants close?

Mr Johnson is expected to order tougher restrictions in swathes of northern England and the Midlands, with the worst affected areas facing the possible closure of pubs and restaurants.

Cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle will most likely see hospitality venues forced to shut, as infection rates in these areas continue to soar.

However, a final decision on the time period or extent of the potential closures has not yet been confirmed.

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