New COVID-19 strain: Boris Johnson orders another UK shutdown with stricter measures

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a full national shutdown of England—and its stricter this time. This comes as part of measures being taken by 10 Downing Street to curtail further spread of the new strain of COVID-19 which has so far been spotted at so many areas within the country, and is reported to be spreading even faster. 

"Our hospitals are under more pressure from COVID than at any time since the start of the pandemic", said Johnson in an address.

"In England alone, the number of COVID patients in hospitals has increased by nearly a third, in the last week, to almost 27,000. And that number is 40% higher than the first peak in April [2020]".

Continuing, he said, "On the 29th of December, more than 80,000 people tested positive to COVID across the UK—a new record. The number of deaths is up by 20% over the last week, and will sadly rise further. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones."

"It is clear that we need to do more together to bring this new variant under control, while our vaccines are rolled out. In England, we must therefore go into a lockdown which is tough enough to contain this variant. That means that the government is once again instructing you to stay at home."

In a tweet later released via his verified Twitter account, PM Johnson said, "I want to say to everyone right across the United Kingdom that I know how tough this is, I know how frustrated you are, I know that you have had more than enough of government guidance about defeating this virus. 

But now more than ever, we must pull together. With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people. And, thanks to the miracle of science, not only is the end in sight but we know exactly how we will get there. 

But for now, I am afraid, you must once again stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."