1:22 AM MYT LONDON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday announced a new Tier Four of coronavirus restrictions for London and other parts of England to combat an alarming surge in infections linked to a new virulent strain. The planned relaxation of coronavirus rules for Christmas is scrapped for a large part of southeast England, and cut to one day for rest of the region, Johnson said at a virtual press conference at Downing Street. From Sunday morning, London, the South East and East of England will move into Tier Four restrictions, which will be broadly similar to national restrictions introduced in England in November, he said.
Boris Johnson has cancelled Christmas for almost 18 million people across London and eastern and south-east England, after scientists warned of the rapid spread of the new variant coronavirus.
The Prime Minister announced that from Sunday areas in the South East currently in Tier 3 will be moved into a new Tier 4 for two weeks – effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November.
In the rest of England, the planned Christmas easing of the restrictions – allowing three households to meet over the festive period – will be severely curtailed to apply to Christmas Day only.
At a No 10 news conference, Mr Johnson said he was taking the actions with a “heavy heart”, but the scientific evidence – suggesting the new strain was up to 70% more transmissible – had left him with no choice.
The final new product round-up before Christmas 2020 includes a protest pour from Boss Brewing, a gin launch from TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst unveiling a limited-edition gin and whisky collection.
Seven Bro7hers launches vegan brews
Salford-based brewer Seven Bro7hers has unveiled a pair of new vegan pours, “celebration IPA” Bubble House and vegan milkshake IPA Don’t Milk It, as part of its Lockdown 2.0 series.
Brut IPA Bubble House is described as “the perfect way to celebrate your bubble”, with a combination of hobs bringing out flavours of white grape and tropical fruit in a 5.6% ABV serve.
BUSINESSOWNERS in Radnorshire are not shocked by First Minister Mark Drakeford’s decision to put Wales into a third lockdown this Christmas – with many preparing not to open again until the spring. Alert Level 4 – the highest level – measures are to be introduced from Boxing Day, while some restrictions will come into force on Christmas Eve. The Welsh Government yesterday announced that all non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres, will be forced to close from the end of the day on December 24. All hospitality premises, meanwhile, will be forced to close from 6pm on Christmas Day. And hospitality venues and licensed premises such as pubs and restaurants will be available for takeaway services only.