Boris Johnson says UK is at a ‘perilous turning point’ and tells Brits to work from home

LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain was at a “perilous turning point” and that he had to act now to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In a marked change in tone, Johnson reversed the lifting of lockdown measures in the country, telling people to work from home once again if possible.

He warned that the new measures, which include the early closing of pubs and restaurants, could be in place for up to six months.

It comes after a surge in coronavirus cases in recent days which have led to localized lockdown measures in parts of northern England. Groups of more than six people are also no longer allowed to meet up.

A further 4,368 daily cases were reported for the country on Monday. Meanwhile, the government’s scientific advisors warned that, if no action was taken, the country was heading toward almost 50,000 new cases per day by mid-October. This would lead to 200 or more deaths a day, they said.  

The restrictions announced by the prime minister on Tuesday include:

• Hospitality businesses, such a pubs and restaurants, must provide table service only, and close by 10 p.m. from Thursday.
• The use of face masks will be extended.  
• The number of people allowed to attend weddings has been reduced to 15.
• People who can work from home, should do so.

Johnson stressed that if these measures did not lead to an improvement in the number of coronavirus cases, more restrictions could be imposed. 

– Holly Ellyatt contributed to this report