Huge spike in cases hits UK which could see further restrictions

The UK has recorded 938 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in 24 hours on Monday which is the highest number in six weeks.

The Department of Health recorded nine new deaths and on Sunday there were 789 cases with Saturday recording 678.

Downing Street could ban travel around hotspots in England to combat the virus as the “contain” framework drawn up in July, sets out “the possibility of putting in place restrictions on travel if there is an area that is particularly badly affected,” a No.10 spokesman said.

Restrictions on gatherings can be imposed under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, which could also close local or national transport systems.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed that “One of the steps within that potentially includes closing down local transport networks.

“It’s there, it’s contained in the document, it’s not a new thing – we have informed the public and politicians of that being a potential action that we could take.

“But, to be clear, it’s not something that is specific to London or anywhere else.”

Boris Johnson’s Cabinet are also considering restricting travel beyond the M25 under plans to avoid a second national lockdown.

It has further been reported that a city-wide lockdown in London is also being considered. Johnson is considering restrictions on travel, in and out of the M25 in the event of a spike of cases in the capital to shield London.

The Sunday Times said the Prime Minister held a “war game” session with Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, in which they went through possible options for averting another nationwide lockdown which could stall economic recovery.

A Downing Street source told the Sunday Times, “Another national lockdown is like our nuclear deterrent — we will never rule it out, but it should be the very last resort in the fight against Covid.”