Contingency Plans for local lockdowns are being considered by ministers in Britain, the Times says

Contingency Plans for local lockdowns are being considered by ministers in Britain, the Times says
May 18, 2021, 7:00 am

By Reuters Staff

The Times newspaper reported on May 17 that: "British ministers are considering contingency plans for local lockdowns or a delay to reopening after June 21 in response to concern about the spread of the COVID-19 variant first discovered in India."

The paper said that: "Officials have developed plans modelled on the Tier 4 restrictions introduced last year." People would be advised to stay at home and non-essential shops and hospitality would be closed if the variant was not brought under control," it added

The newspaper said that: "Companies in restricted areas would receive grants of up to £ 18,000 (US $ 25,440) and the scheme would be administered by local authorities, with payments adjusted in accordance with the length of the restrictions.."

The report said: "Grants will be available for the hardest hit sectors such as nightclubs and for "major events" including festivals in another scenario, which will be considered with a delay for reopening after June 21st."

Earlier on Monday, PM Johnson’s spokesman said that: "The government has yet judge on whether to go ahead with a further easing of lockdown restrictions in England on June 21 and wants to see as much data as possible before making decision."

Britain reported 1,979 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and five deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test, while the data showed 36.7 million people had been given their first vaccine dose.

Source: Reuters

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