At midnight on January 5, the UK imposed a strict national lockdown due to the spread of a new strain of COVID-19, as was reported by BBC.
According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet".
"But I really do believe we are entering the last phase of the struggle because with every jab that goes into our arms we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," Johnson stated.
The last six days have seen 50,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed each day across the UK. It is why the UK’s chief medical officers were warning there was a “material risk” of some hospitals being overwhelmed if something did not change.
According to Johnson’s announcement, as of 5 January 5, 2021, England must enter a new national lockdown. People must stay at home except for specific reasons allowed under law, such as essential shopping and going to work. Primary and secondary schools must move to remote learning from tomorrow, except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. However, early years education such as nurseries will still be accessible. The school closures for most pupils might mean it is "not possible or fair" for all exams to happen this summer "as normal", and the education secretary will work with the exams regulator Ofqual to put in place alternative arrangements.
Restaurants can continue to work for delivery, but takeaway alcohol will be banned. Outdoor sports venues - such as golf courses, tennis courts, and gyms - must close. Amateur team sports are not allowed, but elite sport such as Premier League football can continue. You can exercise in a public outdoor place by yourself, with people you live with or your support bubble, or on your own with one person from another household.
The British Prime Minister announced this lockdown after the country's top health workers recommended raising the threat level to level 5- the highest level, meaning there is a danger of the NHS being overwhelmed within 21 days.
According to ‘Apostrophe’, Ukraine shall also impose strengthened quarantine restrictions from January 8 to January 24.