News...but not what you know

As the cases of Covid Omicron variants continue to surge, there is growing speculation that England may implement a "circuit breaker" lockout.

Other parts of the UK have tightened their own restrictions. Wales will close nightclubs and implement social distancing after Christmas, while Scotland also recommends that people limit social gatherings during the holiday season.

England is currently under "Plan B" restrictions, which means that masks must be worn in many indoor environments, and people have been urged to work from home as much as possible.

However, as the number of cases with such rapid spread continues to increase, Health Minister Sajid Javid refused to rule out the possibility of implementing more restrictions before Christmas-further contributing to the possible rumors of the "circuit breaker".

What does this mean and what might it include?

The circuit breaker lockout may involve a shorter two-week national lockout.

The idea behind the circuit breaker is that a shorter lockout time will help reverse the long-term effects of the peak of infection.

To watch this video, please enable JavaScript and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

According to reports, after a complete lockdown in the first few months of 2021, the circuit breaker will take measures similar to those seen in the "first step" of the unlocking plan.

Although it has not been confirmed, it is said that this will prohibit indoor mixing, and restaurants, cafes and bars are limited to providing outdoor services.

There is no word on whether non-essential stores, gyms and hairdressers will be closed, or whether schools will be affected.

The previous lockdowns in March 2020 and December 2020 resulted in the closure of non-essential shops, hotels and entertainment venues (including movie theaters and theaters), as well as the closure of gyms and personal care services (including barber shops).

There are also restrictions on the number of people who can mix indoors and can meet outdoors-funerals can only have a limited number of guests, and weddings are only allowed to be held under certain limited circumstances.

The previous blockade resulted in the closure of non-essential shops, hotels and hairdressers, gyms and beauty salons and other services-even though bars and restaurants were allowed to provide takeaway services.

The lockdowns in March 2020 and December 2020 also resulted in school closures. All but the children of disadvantaged groups and key workers closed their schools, and millions of people were told to work from home.

However, during the four-week lockdown in November 2020, schools are still open-it is not clear whether they will be affected by any circuit breaker measures this time.

More: Sadiq Khan "hopes to impose a stricter blockade on London by Monday"

Follow Metro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through our social channels.

Share your opinion in the comments below.

Not convinced? learn more"

Let us join your activity