[ad_1]
The formal announcement of the widely-expected move was made as Mr Hancock revealed that scientists have discovered a new variant of Covid-19 circulating in the southeast.
The move to tier 3 will shut all pubs, cafes and restaurants, except for takeaway and delivery, and will restrict residents to meeting friends and families in public open spaces such as parks.
As well as the whole of inner and outer London, the tougher restrictions will cover south and west Essex, including Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest , Castle Point, Rochford, Braintree, Thurrock, Southend and Chelmsford.
In Hertfordshire, the council areas of Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers will also go into tier 3.
Mr Hancock told the Commons that the new strain of Covid-19 identified by UK scientists “may be associated with the fastest spread in the southeast of England”
[ad_2]
Source link