Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced earlier today that England will have a second nationwide lockdown to curb the increasing number of cases in the country.
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The decision comes after one million coronavirus cases were reported in the United Kingdom and will go into effect as of next Thursday after a vote from parliament next week. CNN reports Johnson was forced to make the announcement Saturday after local newspapers revealed the government’s plans the night before and the announcement was originally scheduled for Monday.
Establishments such as pubs, restaurants, and non-essential businesses will be closed. However, schools, universities, and playgrounds will remain open to the public. Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons such as work/school, grocery shopping, outdoor activities, and doctor visits.
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Non-essential travel will also be banned in England unless people are traveling for work and they must follow the country’s quarantine policies after their return. The lockdown will last until December 2 as an effort to contain and control the virus.