COVID-19: Immediate future looks bleak for England
British PM announces four-week England lockdown
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Conservative Party leader, establishes a second England-wide lockdown. The latest England lockdown, after documents reveal a significantly higher death toll than previously expected, had been inevitable. The British prime minister, after attending a cabinet meeting, broke the news.
"We'll seek to ease restrictions, going back into the tiered system on a local and a regional basis according to the latest data and trends," Johnson said. There are "no illusions" lockdowns lead to difficulties for businesses - he said he is "truly sorry" for that.
Johnson, highlighting European countries that have implemented lockdown measures, stresses Britons “are not alone in what [they’re] going through."
The announcement came at news conference delivered Saturday, 31 October 2020. The second England lockdown will last until Wednesday, 2 December 2020. Johnson, recognising there are several exceptions, outlines the measures:
- for education
- for work (if you cannot work from home)
- for exercise and recreation outdoors
- for medical reasons
- to shop for food and essentials
- to care for others
Bars and restaurants will close, reflecting the Spring lockdown, but takeaways can continue to operate as usual. Whilst shielding measures will not be re-introduced, noting how the elderly are at risk, aged over 70 are told to be especially careful.
The hospitality industry and non-essential shops, during this proposed four-week lockdown, will be impacted. Differing greatly from the restrictions seen during the Spring, academic institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities will be allowed to remain open. Supermarkets, not categorised as non-essential, will not be impacted.
"We cannot let this virus damage our children's futures even more than it has already," Johnson said.
The British prime minister urges parents to continue sending their children to school. The National Education Union, with a significantly different view, has presented a conflicting opinion.
"The health and safety of the country is being put at risk," the University and College Union said. It would be "self-defeating" to ignore how schools contribute to spreading the virus.
Further to non-essential shops and hospitality being shut down, the four-week lockdown is expected to include certain restrictions on travel. Reflecting this possibility, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to not unnecessarily travel to England.
“Prevalence of the virus is currently lower in Scotland than in other parts of the UK and there are early signs that the tough restrictions in place since we moved quickly in late September have started to slow the rate of increase,” Sturgeon tweeted Saturday, 31 October 2020.
“We will base decisions on circumstances here - though what happens just across our border is clearly not irrelevant to our considerations. … Amongst other factors, this consideration will have to include whether any financial support will be available now as a result of steps in England, which would not be guaranteed to Scotland later.”
The UK, bringing the pandemic total to 1,011,660 persons impacted, recorded on Saturday, 31 October 2020 a further confirmed 21,915 coronavirus related cases. Another 326 persons, after receiving a positive test 28-days earlier, have died.
Johnson, previously considering such an idea "disastrous" for the UK's finances, resisted pressure placed on him to introduce England-wide restrictions. The British prime minister, fearing a national lockdown would greatly impact the economy, opted for a three-tier system focusing on local and regional areas of England.
The four-week lockdown, based on available projections, could prevent the virus from rebounding. Despite this point, noting there has not been enough focus given to combating COVID-19, have been numerous calls to fix the test and trace system.
"Over the next few days and weeks we plan a steady but massive expansion in the deployment of these quick turnaround tests," Johnson said. This is because of the "immediate prospect" of rapid turnaround coronavirus tests.
Parliament, on Wednesday, 4 November 2020, will debate and vote on Johnson’s measures.
About the Creator
Shain Thomas
I'm a freelance journalist. A member of both the NLGJA and SPJ, I currently write articles for Harsh Light News on Medium and HVY.Com. When I was a university student, I wrote articles for the NT Daily and TCU 360.
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America, Russia And Other Warships Head To India: What’s Coming Next?
In a rare demonstration of naval activity, fleets from the United States, Russia, and other key powers are reportedly heading toward India in what analysts describe as a “strategic maritime convergence.” This development has caught the attention of global security experts, as it signals potential shifts in geopolitical alignments and raises questions about the future of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Arrival of Global Fleets Reports indicate that multiple naval vessels, including advanced warships from the US and Russia, are en route to Indian waters. While military exercises are routine, the presence of these fleets together in a region that has witnessed rising tensions over territorial disputes and trade routes has raised eyebrows. Analysts note that India’s strategic location, bridging the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, makes it a focal point for naval power projection. The United States has maintained a robust naval presence in the Indo-Pacific for decades, primarily to safeguard trade routes, deter Chinese expansion, and maintain alliances with regional partners. Russia, meanwhile, has been strengthening military cooperation with India, supplying advanced weaponry and conducting joint exercises. The convergence of both nations’ naval assets highlights the increasing strategic importance of India in global military planning. Potential Motivations Behind the Movement Several factors could explain this unprecedented maritime maneuver. First, India is emerging as a pivotal player in global defense and security. Its modernizing navy, coupled with strategic ports such as Visakhapatnam and Mumbai, provides a critical launchpad for joint operations or rapid deployment. Second, regional tensions are escalating. The South China Sea and the Indian Ocean have become hotspots for naval confrontations, with territorial disputes and trade security concerns at the forefront. A coordinated presence by multiple powers signals an intent to assert influence and project strength in the region. Third, these movements may reflect preparations for joint military exercises, which India frequently hosts with global partners. Such exercises allow navies to test interoperability, showcase capabilities, and strengthen diplomatic ties. However, the inclusion of both American and Russian forces—nations with historically divergent global objectives—adds a layer of complexity. Implications for Regional Security The presence of powerful fleets in India’s vicinity has multiple security implications. Regional players such as China, Pakistan, and smaller Indian Ocean nations are likely monitoring these developments closely. 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