Boris Johnson Ends England Lockdown But Tougher Regional Rules Follow

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed England’s national lockdown will end next week, to be replaced by a tougher three-tier system of regional restrictions designed to last until spring next year.

Shops, hairdressers and gyms will reopen in all areas and outdoor sporting events will be allowed with as many as 4,000 spectators from Dec. 2, according to the government’s “Covid-19 winter plan” document published Monday.

Pubs, bars and restaurants will only be open for takeaway and delivery in those regions placed in Tier 3, the highest level of restrictions. Only outlets selling “substantial meals” will be able to serve alcohol in Tier 2 -- a major blow to many business owners hoping to get back on their feet after lockdown.

The government will announce which regions are being placed into which tiers on Thursday after looking at the latest data on infection levels. Johnson came under pressure from lawmakers to ensure lower rates in some parts of London are taken into account when setting restrictions for the capital.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Johnson said ministers are working with devolved administrations in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on a plan to allow people to see their families at Christmas, with further details expected later this week.

“This will be still a hard winter,” Johnson said. “But we have turned a corner and the escape route is in sight. We must hold out against the virus until testing and vaccines come to our rescue and reduce the need for restrictions.”

Some members of Johnson’s Conservative Party immediately pushed back on the plan, highlighting the damage to people’s health and livelihoods caused by months of restrictions. Johnson is hoping to avoid a sizable rebellion when MPs vote on the measures early next week.

“We have to be convinced that these government interventions -- which will have such a huge impact on people’s lives, their health and their businesses -- are going to save more lives than they cost,” Mark Harper, a former cabinet minister who is chairman of the backbench Covid Recovery Group, said in an emailed statement

Johnson said the tier system in place before lockdown did not have a big enough impact on the transmission rate of the disease. “So the scientific advice, I am afraid, is that as we come out is that our tiers need to be made tougher,” he said.

This means that in Tier 3, indoor entertainment such as cinemas, ten-pin bowling and bingo will be banned, along with pubs and restaurants. Large events will also be prohibited in Tier 3 areas.

In Tier 2, spectator sports can take place but will be limited to 50% capacity or 2,000 people outdoors, whichever is lower. In Tier 1, they will be limited to 50% capacity or 4,000 people outdoors.

Johnson also unveiled plans to ditch the strict 10 p.m. curfew for pubs, saying last orders will now be at that time but people will be allowed until 11 p.m. to finish their drinks.

The whole of London will be placed in the same tier due to its “dense mass transit system,” the prime minister told lawmakers. He did not say if this would be Tier 2, which the capital was in before lockdown.

Catherine McGuinness, City of London corporation policy chair, called for a “clear plan to allow office workers to return”.

“This is vital to protect livelihoods.,” she said. “We also need a thriving economy to help pay for the vast amount of support being provided at this time.”

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