British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe.

Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told the House of Commons.

"I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said.

"But it's now clear that we must do more together."

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods.

"I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said.

The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe.

Last orders

The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31.

Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable".

"But it's still very sad," she told AFP.

"You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business."

From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways.&nbsp;

Restive members of&nbsp;Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties.

'Catalogue of mistakes'&nbsp;

Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays.

Johnson&nbsp;rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity".

"I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

"The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse."

CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses".

But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm.

"I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio.

"And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner. After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions, Johnson announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe. Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed, Johnson told the House of Commons. "I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said. "But it's now clear that we must do more together." Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but Johnson vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods. "I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said. The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe. Last orders The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31. Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable". "But it's still very sad," she told AFP. "You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business." From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways. Restive members of Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday. Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties. 'Catalogue of mistakes' Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays. Johnson rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity". "I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). "The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse." CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses". But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm. "I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio. "And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

UK's Johnson under fire as new lockdown looms for England

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reached a moment of truth on the two issues that have dominated Britain this year: the pandemic and Brexit negotiations with the European Union. But he is still playing for time — a strategy that could put lives or livelihoods at risk if he waits too long.

On Thursday, Johnson inched closer to imposing a second lockdown on the country, moving London to a higher level of restrictions and signaling that he wanted to move Manchester to the highest level, joining Liverpool. But he stuck to his claim that the best way to curb the virus was through targeted responses, not the two-week nationwide lockdown pushed by the opposition Labour Party and his own scientific advisers.

The prime minister also seemed ready to string out trade talks with Brussels, letting a self-imposed deadline pass on Thursday without a deal. While Johnson could torpedo the negotiations on Friday, after a two-day summit meeting of EU leaders, analysts said the British government still appeared eager to strike an agreement by the legal deadline of Dec. 31.

For Johnson, Brexit and the virus are linked: the economic turmoil unleashed by the pandemic has raised the pressure on him to avoid the self-inflicted disruption of a ruptured negotiation with the EU, and the damaging prospect of beginning the new year without a trade agreement in place.

Yet his reluctance to move decisively on either of them, analysts say, risks making both worse.

Dragging out the talks with Brussels could put Britain in a bind if the two sides hit an impasse as the clock runs out. Putting off a short lockdown — which experts have dubbed a “circuit breaker” — could vitiate its effectiveness in curbing the virus’ spread and necessitate a longer lockdown later, according to medical experts.

“If you’re going to do it, do it early, fast and hard,” said Devi Sridhar, chair of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh. “The longer they delay, the less likely a two-week circuit breaker will work.”

Scientists have proposed that the government schedule the temporary lockdown for the last week of October and first week of November, when schools are closed for midterm break, to make it less disruptive. But some experts questioned whether that would leave enough time to prepare the public for the restrictions.

Britain has missed its chance at earlier action on a midterm lockdown that might have stemmed the latest surge, but it could still be valuable in slowing the spread, said Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modeling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who advises the government. “We haven’t missed the boat of it epidemiologically as a strategy,” he said.

Britain has recorded about 16,000 new coronavirus cases per day, on average, over the past week — the most since the pandemic began, and a tenfold increase in just six weeks. Nearly 800 people were admitted to hospitals on Thursday, and 563 patients were on ventilators, raising fears that intensive care units will soon be overwhelmed.

The figures have climbed sharply despite an array of new restrictions adopted after government scientists warned last month that without further action, the caseload could reach 50,000 a day by this point.

While the outbreak has been worst in the north and west of England, there are signs that it is spreading across the country. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pressed the government to raise the city’s status to a high alert level, which prohibits indoor socializing by people from different households, as of Saturday.

But other mayors lashed out against the restrictions. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, rejected the move to elevate his city to the highest-risk tier, which involves closing pubs and gyms. Burnham, who like Khan is a member of the Labour Party, demanded that the government provide more financial aid to pubs and other businesses that he said would be devastated by the lockdown.

“We will not cave into all the pressure that is being applied to us,” the mayor said in an angry video posted on Twitter. “We will not let them be leveled down by this government through this pandemic.”

For weeks now, Johnson has balanced calls from his scientific advisers for tighter measures with warnings from members of his Conservative Party that a lockdown or similarly draconian measures would wreck the economy.

The political consensus that once characterized Britain’s response to the pandemic has now fractured in both parties, however. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, threw his weight behind a temporary lockdown, while Johnson remains at odds not only with members of his party but also with some in his Cabinet: the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, is resisting the push for a lockdown.

“We are effectively burning the furniture to keep warm now,” said Steve Baker, a Conservative lawmaker and one of the leaders of a campaign for Parliament to have a greater say over coronavirus rules. “If we have to continue like that for another three to six months until there is a vaccine, that poses grave risks to the economy.”

Adding to the pressure on Johnson, public-opinion surveys show clear support in the British public for stricter measures, up to and including a “circuit breaker” — though Britons are split about a lengthier lockdown.

By embracing the idea, analysts said, Starmer had effectively boxed in Johnson.

“If the prime minister moves toward a national lockdown, that will look like he’s changed his mind and moved toward Keir Starmer,” said Keiran Pedley, director of politics at Ipsos/MORI, a polling company. “If he doesn’t, then Labour will presumably say in response to any bad news, ‘You should have listened to us.’ From a political situation, Keir Starmer doesn’t face much risk.”

However treacherous the political landscape for Johnson, the Labour Party’s call for a lockdown might actually strengthen the prime minister’s hand with his own party in the short term. Johnson’s Conservative critics, some observers say, may realize that with public opinion and the opposition running against them, they cannot hope for more than the prime minister’s efforts to seek a middle ground.

“It is dawning on them that this is as good as you are going to get,” said David Gauke, a Conservative former lawmaker who fell out with Johnson over Brexit. “No prime minister is going to be more libertarian than Boris Johnson in this particular set of circumstances.”

This time last year, Johnson faced down resistance by Baker and his hard-line allies on Brexit. He did it by talking tough with Brussels and then cutting a deal that he presented as a triumph — a playbook he appears to be trying to use again.

Johnson’s aides insist a trade agreement is within reach if talks can be intensified on the key issues: fishing quotas and state aid to industry. But the longer they drag on, the greater the uncertainty for British exporters — and the greater the leverage for Brussels.

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reached a moment of truth on the two issues that have dominated Britain this year: the pandemic and Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reached a moment of truth on the two issues that have dominated Britain this year: the pandemic and Brexit negotiations with the European Union. But he is still playing for time — a strategy that could put lives or livelihoods at risk if he waits too long. On Thursday, Johnson inched closer to imposing a second lockdown on the country, moving London to a higher level of restrictions and signaling that he wanted to move Manchester to the highest level, joining Liverpool. But he stuck to his claim that the best way to curb the virus was through targeted responses, not the two-week nationwide lockdown pushed by the opposition Labour Party and his own scientific advisers. The prime minister also seemed ready to string out trade talks with Brussels, letting a self-imposed deadline pass on Thursday without a deal. While Johnson could torpedo the negotiations on Friday, after a two-day summit meeting of EU leaders, analysts said the British government still appeared eager to strike an agreement by the legal deadline of Dec. 31. For Johnson, Brexit and the virus are linked: the economic turmoil unleashed by the pandemic has raised the pressure on him to avoid the self-inflicted disruption of a ruptured negotiation with the EU, and the damaging prospect of beginning the new year without a trade agreement in place. Yet his reluctance to move decisively on either of them, analysts say, risks making both worse. Dragging out the talks with Brussels could put Britain in a bind if the two sides hit an impasse as the clock runs out. Putting off a short lockdown — which experts have dubbed a “circuit breaker” — could vitiate its effectiveness in curbing the virus’ spread and necessitate a longer lockdown later, according to medical experts. “If you’re going to do it, do it early, fast and hard,” said Devi Sridhar, chair of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh. “The longer they delay, the less likely a two-week circuit breaker will work.” Scientists have proposed that the government schedule the temporary lockdown for the last week of October and first week of November, when schools are closed for midterm break, to make it less disruptive. But some experts questioned whether that would leave enough time to prepare the public for the restrictions. Britain has missed its chance at earlier action on a midterm lockdown that might have stemmed the latest surge, but it could still be valuable in slowing the spread, said Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modeling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who advises the government. “We haven’t missed the boat of it epidemiologically as a strategy,” he said. Britain has recorded about 16,000 new coronavirus cases per day, on average, over the past week — the most since the pandemic began, and a tenfold increase in just six weeks. Nearly 800 people were admitted to hospitals on Thursday, and 563 patients were on ventilators, raising fears that intensive care units will soon be overwhelmed. The figures have climbed sharply despite an array of new restrictions adopted after government scientists warned last month that without further action, the caseload could reach 50,000 a day by this point. While the outbreak has been worst in the north and west of England, there are signs that it is spreading across the country. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pressed the government to raise the city’s status to a high alert level, which prohibits indoor socializing by people from different households, as of Saturday. But other mayors lashed out against the restrictions. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, rejected the move to elevate his city to the highest-risk tier, which involves closing pubs and gyms. Burnham, who like Khan is a member of the Labour Party, demanded that the government provide more financial aid to pubs and other businesses that he said would be devastated by the lockdown. “We will not cave into all the pressure that is being applied to us,” the mayor said in an angry video posted on Twitter. “We will not let them be leveled down by this government through this pandemic.” For weeks now, Johnson has balanced calls from his scientific advisers for tighter measures with warnings from members of his Conservative Party that a lockdown or similarly draconian measures would wreck the economy. The political consensus that once characterized Britain’s response to the pandemic has now fractured in both parties, however. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, threw his weight behind a temporary lockdown, while Johnson remains at odds not only with members of his party but also with some in his Cabinet: the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, is resisting the push for a lockdown. “We are effectively burning the furniture to keep warm now,” said Steve Baker, a Conservative lawmaker and one of the leaders of a campaign for Parliament to have a greater say over coronavirus rules. “If we have to continue like that for another three to six months until there is a vaccine, that poses grave risks to the economy.” Adding to the pressure on Johnson, public-opinion surveys show clear support in the British public for stricter measures, up to and including a “circuit breaker” — though Britons are split about a lengthier lockdown. By embracing the idea, analysts said, Starmer had effectively boxed in Johnson. “If the prime minister moves toward a national lockdown, that will look like he’s changed his mind and moved toward Keir Starmer,” said Keiran Pedley, director of politics at Ipsos/MORI, a polling company. “If he doesn’t, then Labour will presumably say in response to any bad news, ‘You should have listened to us.’ From a political situation, Keir Starmer doesn’t face much risk.” However treacherous the political landscape for Johnson, the Labour Party’s call for a lockdown might actually strengthen the prime minister’s hand with his own party in the short term. Johnson’s Conservative critics, some observers say, may realize that with public opinion and the opposition running against them, they cannot hope for more than the prime minister’s efforts to seek a middle ground. “It is dawning on them that this is as good as you are going to get,” said David Gauke, a Conservative former lawmaker who fell out with Johnson over Brexit. “No prime minister is going to be more libertarian than Boris Johnson in this particular set of circumstances.” This time last year, Johnson faced down resistance by Baker and his hard-line allies on Brexit. He did it by talking tough with Brussels and then cutting a deal that he presented as a triumph — a playbook he appears to be trying to use again. Johnson’s aides insist a trade agreement is within reach if talks can be intensified on the key issues: fishing quotas and state aid to industry. But the longer they drag on, the greater the uncertainty for British exporters — and the greater the leverage for Brussels.

As virus surges and Brexit bears down, Boris Johnson stalls for time

UK government might have plans to impose the stricter 'red alert' lockdowns under the proposed ‘three-tier system’ that seeks to ban all outdoor social gatherings

UK planning strict 'three-tier' lockdown to curb COVID-19 spread

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson has said he expects&nbsp;the next few months of the COVID-19 pandemic to be bumpy.

According to British media,&nbsp;Johnson is planning a three-tier lockdown ''traffic light'' lockdown system for the United Kingdom. It will contain an Alert Level One which will include the pubs and bars.

The tough new measures were outlined in a document leaked by The Guardian, were parallel to the complete lockdown measures in March.

<img alt="UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99ffafc8-8d5c-4138-9e0b-315ab391dfd8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/33976606-8804313-image-a-2_1601842973742.jpg" />&nbsp;

In picture: The three-tier 'traffic light' lockdown system

It comes as Britain recorded nearly 23,000 more new cases of the novel virus on Sunday.&nbsp;The total number of COVID-19 infections in the country stands at just over 480,000, with more than 2,400 patients in hospital.

In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation,Johnson&nbsp;said he knew many people were furious with him over perceived inconsistencies and confusion surrounding the local measures, but he was seeking to strike a balance between public health and the wider needs of society and the economy.

"In these areas, and I appreciate the fatigue that people are experiencing, but we have to work together, follow the guidance and get the virus down whilst keeping the economy moving, that's the balance we're trying to find," he said in an interview.

"I know people are furious at me and they're furious at the government, but I've got to tell you, in all candour, it's going to continue to be bumpy through to Christmas, it may even be bumpy beyond, but this is the only way to do it."

Johnson&nbsp;had to correct himself on social media on Tuesday after getting his facts wrong while answering a question about social distancing rules that apply to a large swathe of England.

During his Sunday interview,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;denied a suggestion that the local restrictions were not working given infection rates were still rising in the affected areas and there was no end in sight to the measures.

"I'm afraid it's simply too early to say," he said, adding that the advice to the government was that it was necessary to wait and see if the R number, the reproduction rate of the virus, started to come down.

Striking a more optimistic note,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said he expected the scientific equation to change over the coming months with progress on testing and on vaccines, which would enable the government to take a different approach.

"If you talk to the scientists, they're all virtually unanimous that by the spring things will be radically different and we'll be in a different world, that is the normal cycle of a pandemic like this," he said.

Asked about past promises and forecasts he had made that had not been matched by reality, such as his prediction that Britain's test-and-trace system would be "world-beating",&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;defended his rhetoric.

"This is a pandemic in which people need to understand that there is hope," he said. "We will get through this very well."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he expects the next few months of the COVID-19 pandemic to be bumpy. According to British media, Johnson is planning a three-tier lockdown ''traffic light'' lockdown system for the United Kingdom.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he expects the next few months of the COVID-19 pandemic to be bumpy. According to British media, Johnson is planning a three-tier lockdown ''traffic light'' lockdown system for the United Kingdom. It will contain an Alert Level One which will include the pubs and bars. The tough new measures were outlined in a document leaked by The Guardian, were parallel to the complete lockdown measures in March. In picture: The three-tier 'traffic light' lockdown system It comes as Britain recorded nearly 23,000 more new cases of the novel virus on Sunday. The total number of COVID-19 infections in the country stands at just over 480,000, with more than 2,400 patients in hospital. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation,Johnson said he knew many people were furious with him over perceived inconsistencies and confusion surrounding the local measures, but he was seeking to strike a balance between public health and the wider needs of society and the economy. "In these areas, and I appreciate the fatigue that people are experiencing, but we have to work together, follow the guidance and get the virus down whilst keeping the economy moving, that's the balance we're trying to find," he said in an interview. "I know people are furious at me and they're furious at the government, but I've got to tell you, in all candour, it's going to continue to be bumpy through to Christmas, it may even be bumpy beyond, but this is the only way to do it." Johnson had to correct himself on social media on Tuesday after getting his facts wrong while answering a question about social distancing rules that apply to a large swathe of England. During his Sunday interview, Johnson denied a suggestion that the local restrictions were not working given infection rates were still rising in the affected areas and there was no end in sight to the measures. "I'm afraid it's simply too early to say," he said, adding that the advice to the government was that it was necessary to wait and see if the R number, the reproduction rate of the virus, started to come down. Striking a more optimistic note, Johnson said he expected the scientific equation to change over the coming months with progress on testing and on vaccines, which would enable the government to take a different approach. "If you talk to the scientists, they're all virtually unanimous that by the spring things will be radically different and we'll be in a different world, that is the normal cycle of a pandemic like this," he said. Asked about past promises and forecasts he had made that had not been matched by reality, such as his prediction that Britain's test-and-trace system would be "world-beating", Johnson defended his rhetoric. "This is a pandemic in which people need to understand that there is hope," he said. "We will get through this very well."

Boris Johnson warns bumpy COVID winter; mulling 'three-tier lockdown'

The United Kingdom is gearing up for the second nationwide lockdown as the coronavirus cases are rapidly rising in the country.

WION Dispatch: Another national lockdown in the United Kingdom?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-against-iran-venezuelas-maduro-329294">US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7774b9d-f644-4332-b17b-969250f1c462" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bah1.jpg" />

The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-scrambles-fighters-for-fourth-time-in-five-days-amid-chinese-incursion-329291">Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion</a>

<img alt="Taiwan fighter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0113c532-4627-4400-9ca8-de7ae8cc81cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TFighter1.JPG" />

The Chinese fighters had intruded the same defence zone thrice last week as Taiwan's defence ministry said it has "the right to self-defence and to counter-attack".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-upgrades-virus-alert-level-pm-johnson-set-to-announce-new-measures-329290">UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures</a>

<img alt="coronavirus in UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee75d1cf-7e1c-462c-bef3-13fc1862a45a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F2_0.jpg" />

PM Johnson will also be chairing COBR emergencies committee meeting on Tuesday morning, the British PM had earlier said that the rising cases were "cause for great concern".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-officer-charged-with-spying-for-china-329293">New York police officer charged with spying for China</a>

<img alt="New York Police" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="817bd9e2-76d9-448b-8364-8f7df0553ab7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NYPD.jpg" />

Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-spain-is-struggling-to-find-ways-to-spend-billions-in-crisis-funds-329287">Gravitas: Spain is struggling to find ways to spend billions in crisis funds</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-spain-is-struggling-to-find-ways-to-spend-billions-in-crisis-funds-329287/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new.

US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro The US government also accused Iran of carrying out attack on Saudi oil facilities. However, Iran said the sanctions would have no effect calling it "nothing new." Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion The Chinese fighters had intruded the same defence zone thrice last week as Taiwan's defence ministry said it has "the right to self-defence and to counter-attack". UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures PM Johnson will also be chairing COBR emergencies committee meeting on Tuesday morning, the British PM had earlier said that the rising cases were "cause for great concern". New York police officer charged with spying for China Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources. Watch: Gravitas: Spain is struggling to find ways to spend billions in crisis funds

Morning news brief: US sanctions on Iran, Taiwan scrambles jets again & more!

Residents in these areas should not socialise with people outside their households from midnight on Thursday. This includes meeting people indoors, outdoors, or in social venues such as restaurants, bars and pubs

COVID-19: UK announces lockdown in parts of North-east

Netizens are trolling the&nbsp;'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday.

In a news conference, Johnson said&nbsp;the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to&nbsp;to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-unveils-moonshot-plan-rule-of-six-amid-spike-in-covid-19-cases-326388">PM Johnson unveils 'moonshot' plan, 'rule of six' amid spike in COVID-19 cases</a>

According to the plan, an army&nbsp;of marshals will be sent to towns and cities across the country to enforce new coronavirus laws.

Under the&nbsp;"rule of six", marshals will break&nbsp;groups of more than six in town centres and alert police if fines need to be handed out.

The new rules will not apply to workplaces or schools, and there will be exemptions for weddings, funerals and some organised team sports. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own lockdown policies.

Social media users did not like the initiative and mocked it by sharing a flurry of memes.

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Anyone else thinking about possible people to be Covid secure marshals? <a href="https://t.co/PnWNy77nS9">pic.twitter.com/PnWNy77nS9</a>
— Mark Brandreth (@mbrandreth) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbrandreth/status/1303719014766727174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SIX months on 
UK curve flattened 
NHS capacity "protected" 
 
SIX months on 
No working track &amp; trace app 
No reliable testing capacity 
 
SIX months on 
Police will arrest you (BLM/XR/Dinghyboaters excepted) if the new "Covid secure marshals" don't get you 1st 
Seriously <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a>...
— Aman Bhogal 🇬🇧 🇮🇳 (@AmandeepBhogal) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandeepBhogal/status/1303736203020251138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Where, in God’s name, are these ‘Covid-secure marshals’ being conjured from?? Welcome to the Wild West!
— nigel waugh (@nglwaug) <a href="https://twitter.com/nglwaug/status/1303727173048635398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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‘Covid secure Marshals’!? ... WE’RE LIVING IN THE HANDMAIDS TALE.
— Sweetness and Life. (@katy_red) <a href="https://twitter.com/katy_red/status/1303714210539593728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Netizens are trolling the 'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday. In a news conference, Johnson said the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support.

Netizens are trolling the 'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday. In a news conference, Johnson said the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support." Also read: PM Johnson unveils 'moonshot' plan, 'rule of six' amid spike in COVID-19 cases According to the plan, an army of marshals will be sent to towns and cities across the country to enforce new coronavirus laws. Under the "rule of six", marshals will break groups of more than six in town centres and alert police if fines need to be handed out. The new rules will not apply to workplaces or schools, and there will be exemptions for weddings, funerals and some organised team sports. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own lockdown policies. Social media users did not like the initiative and mocked it by sharing a flurry of memes. Anyone else thinking about possible people to be Covid secure marshals? pic.twitter.com/PnWNy77nS9 — Mark Brandreth (@mbrandreth) September 9, 2020 × SIX months on UK curve flattened NHS capacity "protected" SIX months on No working track & trace app No reliable testing capacity SIX months on Police will arrest you (BLM/XR/Dinghyboaters excepted) if the new "Covid secure marshals" don't get you 1st Seriously @BorisJohnson... — Aman Bhogal 🇬🇧 🇮🇳 (@AmandeepBhogal) September 9, 2020 × Where, in God’s name, are these ‘Covid-secure marshals’ being conjured from?? Welcome to the Wild West! — nigel waugh (@nglwaug) September 9, 2020 × ‘Covid secure Marshals’!? ... WE’RE LIVING IN THE HANDMAIDS TALE. — Sweetness and Life. (@katy_red) September 9, 2020 ×

Netizens ridicule UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's army of 'COVID secure marshals'

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that pubs, malls and hotels could reopen in England from 4th of July but with a condition.Johnson approached people to maintain 2 metre social distancing rules.

UK Relaxes lockdown with 2 Mt social distancing rule from 4th July

After a review of the two-metre rule is being conducted in the UK, country's Health Minister Matt Hancock has said the government will soon be revealing a plan of easing the lockdown.

A nationwide lockdown was imposed in the country to contain the wide spread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected nearly 303,000 people in the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-announce-the-review-of-two-metre-social-distancing-review-soon-307278">Also read|&nbsp;UK to announce the review of two-metre social distancing review soon</a>

"We're about to see another step in the plan," Hancock said in a local interview. "This week we will announce further details of the measures we can take to relieve some of the national lockdown measures at the start of July, including on July 4."

Talking about if the two-metre social distancing rule in the UK can be changed for the betterment of the employers, Hancock hinted towards a possible good news by saying, "I very much hope that we can."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-allow-british-tourists-to-visit-from-sunday-without-need-for-quarantine-spanish-foreign-minister-307363">Also read|&nbsp;Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister</a>

"The proposals that we will bring forward are how you can safely, safely reduce the two metres with the sort of mitigations we have been talking about," he said.

"I get the problems with the two-metre rule of course, ultimately there are problems with the fact that there`s a virus and the challenge for the country, for all countries is how to get as much of normal life as possible going again."

As the new social distancing rule is expected to allow more pubs and clubs to reopen, Hancock has also said that there is a possibility people might have to register their details before entering such social spaces.

The announcement is expected on July 04.

After a review of the two-metre rule is being conducted in the UK, country's Health Minister Matt Hancock has said the government will soon be revealing a plan of easing the lockdown.

After a review of the two-metre rule is being conducted in the UK, country's Health Minister Matt Hancock has said the government will soon be revealing a plan of easing the lockdown. A nationwide lockdown was imposed in the country to contain the wide spread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected nearly 303,000 people in the UK. Also read| UK to announce the review of two-metre social distancing review soon "We're about to see another step in the plan," Hancock said in a local interview. "This week we will announce further details of the measures we can take to relieve some of the national lockdown measures at the start of July, including on July 4." Talking about if the two-metre social distancing rule in the UK can be changed for the betterment of the employers, Hancock hinted towards a possible good news by saying, "I very much hope that we can." Also read| Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister "The proposals that we will bring forward are how you can safely, safely reduce the two metres with the sort of mitigations we have been talking about," he said. "I get the problems with the two-metre rule of course, ultimately there are problems with the fact that there`s a virus and the challenge for the country, for all countries is how to get as much of normal life as possible going again." As the new social distancing rule is expected to allow more pubs and clubs to reopen, Hancock has also said that there is a possibility people might have to register their details before entering such social spaces. The announcement is expected on July 04.

UK to start easing lockdown soon; plans to be revealed this week: Health Minister

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on fire to not impose lockdown in nation one week earlier that could have saved 20,000 lives alleges experts. Though Mr.Boris in his address to media hails his govt's pro-active approach towards fighting pandemic.

WION Dispatch: UK death toll could have been halved, says experts

Imposing UK lockdown one week earlier 'could have saved much more lives': Experts

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/masks-and-gloves-clad-lebanese-join-anti-government-protests-303982" hreflang="en">Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests</a>

Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus. According to them, the government delayed in imposing crucial restrictions that led to an outbreak in the country.&nbsp;

The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of the coronavirus pandemic with more than 50,000 deaths, as per the Reuters tally.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-3593-new-coronavirus-cases-registered-actual-figures-much-higher-303987" hreflang="en">Mexico: 3,593 new coronavirus cases registered; actual figures much higher</a>

During an interview with John Edmund, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: "We should have gone into lockdown earlier."

"The data we were dealing with in the early part of March and our situational awareness was really quite poor so I think it would have been very hard to pull the trigger at that point but I wish we had ... I think that has cost a lot of lives."

British health minister Matt Hancock disagreed with Edmund's statements on the BBC, he said: &nbsp;"No. I think we took the right decisions at the right time and there is a broad range on SAGE of scientific opinion and we were guided by the science."

According to Edmund, the coronavirus pandemic "is not all over, there is an awful long way to go."

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives. Also read: Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus.

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives. Also read: Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus. According to them, the government delayed in imposing crucial restrictions that led to an outbreak in the country. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of the coronavirus pandemic with more than 50,000 deaths, as per the Reuters tally. Also read: Mexico: 3,593 new coronavirus cases registered; actual figures much higher During an interview with John Edmund, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: "We should have gone into lockdown earlier." "The data we were dealing with in the early part of March and our situational awareness was really quite poor so I think it would have been very hard to pull the trigger at that point but I wish we had ... I think that has cost a lot of lives." British health minister Matt Hancock disagreed with Edmund's statements on the BBC, he said: "No. I think we took the right decisions at the right time and there is a broad range on SAGE of scientific opinion and we were guided by the science." According to Edmund, the coronavirus pandemic "is not all over, there is an awful long way to go."

UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor

As primary schools invite back more than 2 million children across three grades, experts say they expect about half of parents to continue keeping children at home

Is it too early to reopen schools in UK?

Thousands of children returned to schools across England for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began in March.

UK grade schools reopen after 10 weeks

British&nbsp;Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings&nbsp;defied calls to resign on&nbsp;Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

"I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally."

This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by&nbsp;travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives&nbsp;when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts</a>

He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson&nbsp;on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”.

''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.''

Cummings said&nbsp;he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned.

''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.''

When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time.

According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules. "I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally." This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms. Also read:Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”. ''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.'' Cummings said he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned. ''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.'' When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time. According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.

UK PM's aide says he behaved 'reasonably'; defies calls to resign

British Prime Minister's adviser&nbsp;Dominic Cummings will face a&nbsp;police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him.

Cummings, architect of the 2016 campaign to leave the EU, came under pressure when newspapers reported he had travelled from London to northern England in March when his wife was ill with COVID-19 symptoms during a nationwide lockdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-backs-cummings-despite-calls-to-quit-over-coronavirus-lockdown-travel-300808" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson backs Cummings despite calls to quit over coronavirus lockdown travel</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed his senior adviser&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Cummings&nbsp;on Sunday, despite calls from within his own Conservative Party for the aide to resign for driving 250 miles during the coronavirus lockdown.

Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees made a complaint to the police after reporting that he&nbsp;saw Cummings and his family on 12 April&nbsp;walking in the town of Barnard Castle before getting into a car.

Lees’ alleged sighting of Cummings in the town, 30 miles from Durham, where the aide had been self-isolating after developing Covid-19 symptoms – appeared to come while he was still ill, according to his own account.&nbsp;

As well as Lees’ complaint, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Durham County Council has demanded that the police open an investigation into whether Cummings broke the 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations.

Durham police are now expected to assess the complaints they have received and decide whether further action, such as an investigation, is needed.

British Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings will face a police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him.

British Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings will face a police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him. Cummings, architect of the 2016 campaign to leave the EU, came under pressure when newspapers reported he had travelled from London to northern England in March when his wife was ill with COVID-19 symptoms during a nationwide lockdown. Also read: UK PM Johnson backs Cummings despite calls to quit over coronavirus lockdown travel Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed his senior adviser Dominic Cummings on Sunday, despite calls from within his own Conservative Party for the aide to resign for driving 250 miles during the coronavirus lockdown. Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees made a complaint to the police after reporting that he saw Cummings and his family on 12 April walking in the town of Barnard Castle before getting into a car. Lees’ alleged sighting of Cummings in the town, 30 miles from Durham, where the aide had been self-isolating after developing Covid-19 symptoms – appeared to come while he was still ill, according to his own account. As well as Lees’ complaint, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Durham County Council has demanded that the police open an investigation into whether Cummings broke the 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations. Durham police are now expected to assess the complaints they have received and decide whether further action, such as an investigation, is needed.

Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a cautious plan on Monday, for how the UK's lockdown measures would slowly be lifted.

UK PM Boris Johnson unveils 50 page lockdown exit plan

The figures, collated by government agency Public Health England and equivalents in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, comprise deaths in all settings following positive coronavirus tests

UK: COVID-19 death toll reaches 32,000

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the lockdown in the country will remain imposed at least till June 1 and it will be after that the easing phase of the shutdown will commence.

Boris Johnson says lockdown will stay in place till June 1

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country. He said that the government is working on plans to ease lockdown by setting some measures that have led to the economy shut down for nearly seven weeks now.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-expert-warns-coronavirus-still-has-a-long-run-297841" hreflang="en">US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run</a>

In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-tally-crosses-the-4-million-mark-297836" hreflang="en">Global COVID-19 tally crosses the 4 million mark</a>

Boris Johnson said that people who cannot work from home will be allowed to go to the office from Monday onwards. He also said that people will be allowed to undertake an unlimited amount of outdoor exercise, sports etc from Wednesday as long as social distancing is maintained.&nbsp;

"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your household," he said.

The British PM has laid out a five-level alert system that the government will use scientific data to monitor and track the rate of spread of the virus, this will be referred has 'R' rate.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson went on to explain the levels of "levels" of his alert system. He said: "Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical - the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS (National Health Service) had been overwhelmed.

"Over the period of the lockdown we have been in Level Four, and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to Level Three."

Johnson said that phase two of the lockdown easing will begin "at the earliest" by June 1.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country. He said that the government is working on plans to ease lockdown by setting some measures that have led to the economy shut down for nearly seven weeks now.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country. He said that the government is working on plans to ease lockdown by setting some measures that have led to the economy shut down for nearly seven weeks now. Also read: US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures." Also read: Global COVID-19 tally crosses the 4 million mark Boris Johnson said that people who cannot work from home will be allowed to go to the office from Monday onwards. He also said that people will be allowed to undertake an unlimited amount of outdoor exercise, sports etc from Wednesday as long as social distancing is maintained. "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your household," he said. The British PM has laid out a five-level alert system that the government will use scientific data to monitor and track the rate of spread of the virus, this will be referred has 'R' rate. Boris Johnson went on to explain the levels of "levels" of his alert system. He said: "Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical - the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS (National Health Service) had been overwhelmed. "Over the period of the lockdown we have been in Level Four, and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to Level Three." Johnson said that phase two of the lockdown easing will begin "at the earliest" by June 1.

'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

People of Indian origin in the UK have emerged as the worst affected ethnic group from the coronavirus pandemic, according to an official data on COVID-19 deaths in hospitals across England.

Figures released this week by the National Health Service (NHS) England show that of the 13,918 patients who died in hospitals till April 17 after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, 16.2 per cent were of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background and those identifying with Indian ethnicity made up 3 per cent of that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eleven-members-of-a-family-in-delhi-test-positive-for-coronavirus-294229" hreflang="en">Eleven members of a family in Delhi test positive for coronavirus</a>

This was followed by Caribbeans as the second-largest ethnic group affected in the COVID-19 death toll at 2.9 per cent, followed by Pakistanis at 2.1 per cent.

The data, only a limited snapshot of the UK-wide COVID-19 tests, follows the British government's announcement of a review into the coronavirus death toll disparity among the BAME population.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-test-prevalence-of-coronavirus-in-general-population-294178" hreflang="en">Britain to test prevalence of coronavirus in general population</a>

"We have seen, both across the population as a whole but in those who work in the NHS, a much higher proportion who've died from minority backgrounds and that really worries me," said UK health secretary Matt Hancock while launching the review last week.

The proportion of deaths among BAME groups is much higher compared to their roughly 13 per cent make-up of the total population.

A further breakdown shows COVID-19 deaths among those identifying with white ethnicity at 73.6 per cent and mixed ethnicity at 0.7 per cent.

Of the 16.2 per cent BAME figures, those of Bangladeshi ethnicity are at 0.6 per cent, any other Asian background 1.6 per cent, African 1.9 per cent, any other black background 0.9 per cent, Chinese 0.4 per cent and any other ethnic group 2.8 per cent.

"The government must take every necessary step to address this devastating disparity and protect all sectors of the population equally and now," said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Council Chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors' union lobbying for the review.

"It also means taking vital steps now to protect our BAME communities until we can develop a detailed understanding of the threats they face. This could include that those at greatest risk, including older and retired doctors, are not working in potentially infectious settings," he said.

Meanwhile, an analysis of the COVID-19 death toll data for NHS workers, which stands at 69, also reveals a higher proportion of BAME casualties including the death of Dr Manjeet Singh Riyat, the UK's first Sikh emergency medicine consultant, this week.

The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) recently announced a new academic tie-up with the Imperial College London to set up a research forum to delve deeper into this disparity within the medical profession in the UK.

"This research has the potential to give data required to delineate vulnerable groups in the pandemic and give clear advice on how to reduce the impact on the BAME population," BAPIO president Dr Ramesh Mehta said.

The new study also aims at establishing a new research database as a national resource for the scientific communities to support other studies to improve the future wellbeing of NHS healthcare staff.

According to experts, the reasons behind the disproportionately high coronavirus mortality rates for the ethnic minority population of the UK is likely to be down to a complex set of factors, including greater propensity among some ethnicities for heart disease and diabetes, specific vitamin deficiencies, the lack of social distancing measures within multi-generational family setting or a genetic predisposition.

The government's review is aimed at collating enough data to look into measures that would minimise the risk for these communities.&nbsp;

People of Indian origin in the UK have emerged as the worst affected ethnic group from the coronavirus pandemic, according to an official data on COVID-19 deaths in hospitals across England.

People of Indian origin in the UK have emerged as the worst affected ethnic group from the coronavirus pandemic, according to an official data on COVID-19 deaths in hospitals across England. Figures released this week by the National Health Service (NHS) England show that of the 13,918 patients who died in hospitals till April 17 after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, 16.2 per cent were of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background and those identifying with Indian ethnicity made up 3 per cent of that. Also read: Eleven members of a family in Delhi test positive for coronavirus This was followed by Caribbeans as the second-largest ethnic group affected in the COVID-19 death toll at 2.9 per cent, followed by Pakistanis at 2.1 per cent. The data, only a limited snapshot of the UK-wide COVID-19 tests, follows the British government's announcement of a review into the coronavirus death toll disparity among the BAME population. Also read: Britain to test prevalence of coronavirus in general population "We have seen, both across the population as a whole but in those who work in the NHS, a much higher proportion who've died from minority backgrounds and that really worries me," said UK health secretary Matt Hancock while launching the review last week. The proportion of deaths among BAME groups is much higher compared to their roughly 13 per cent make-up of the total population. A further breakdown shows COVID-19 deaths among those identifying with white ethnicity at 73.6 per cent and mixed ethnicity at 0.7 per cent. Of the 16.2 per cent BAME figures, those of Bangladeshi ethnicity are at 0.6 per cent, any other Asian background 1.6 per cent, African 1.9 per cent, any other black background 0.9 per cent, Chinese 0.4 per cent and any other ethnic group 2.8 per cent. "The government must take every necessary step to address this devastating disparity and protect all sectors of the population equally and now," said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Council Chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors' union lobbying for the review. "It also means taking vital steps now to protect our BAME communities until we can develop a detailed understanding of the threats they face. This could include that those at greatest risk, including older and retired doctors, are not working in potentially infectious settings," he said. Meanwhile, an analysis of the COVID-19 death toll data for NHS workers, which stands at 69, also reveals a higher proportion of BAME casualties including the death of Dr Manjeet Singh Riyat, the UK's first Sikh emergency medicine consultant, this week. The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) recently announced a new academic tie-up with the Imperial College London to set up a research forum to delve deeper into this disparity within the medical profession in the UK. "This research has the potential to give data required to delineate vulnerable groups in the pandemic and give clear advice on how to reduce the impact on the BAME population," BAPIO president Dr Ramesh Mehta said. The new study also aims at establishing a new research database as a national resource for the scientific communities to support other studies to improve the future wellbeing of NHS healthcare staff. According to experts, the reasons behind the disproportionately high coronavirus mortality rates for the ethnic minority population of the UK is likely to be down to a complex set of factors, including greater propensity among some ethnicities for heart disease and diabetes, specific vitamin deficiencies, the lack of social distancing measures within multi-generational family setting or a genetic predisposition. The government's review is aimed at collating enough data to look into measures that would minimise the risk for these communities.

COVID-19: Indians among worst affected ethnic groups in England

The UK government has said a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus will remain in place for at least three more weeks.

Lockdown measure extended in United Kingdom

Prime Minister Boris Johnson left intensive care on Thursday evening as he continues to recover from COVID-19, but he remains under close observation in hospital, his office said on Thursday.

Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday evening with a persistent high temperature and cough, and was rushed to intensive care on Monday where he spent three nights receiving treatment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655" hreflang="en">Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

"The prime minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," a spokesman from his office said in an emailed statement.

"He is in extremely good spirits."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-says-coronavirus-could-trigger-worst-fallout-since-the-1930s-291638" hreflang="en">IMF says coronavirus could trigger worst fallout since the 1930s</a>

Johnson was the first world leader to be hospitalised with the coronavirus, forcing him to hand control of the world's fifth-largest economy to foreign minister Dominic Raab just as Britain's outbreak approaches its most deadly peak.

Raab tweeted that the improvement in Johnson's condition was "the news we all wanted to hear". U.S. President Donald Trump described it as "great news".

Johnson's ongoing recovery prompted a small rise in the value of sterling against the dollar.

However, the government statement did not give any details on when Johnson may be able to resume leadership, and Raab - speaking before the latest announcement - had stressed the importance of allowing the prime minister to focus on recovery.

No further updates on Johnson's health were expected on Thursday.

Raab is deputising for Johnson during the most stringent shutdown in Britain's peacetime history.

Earlier he told a news conference it was too early to end the lockdown because Britain had not reached the peak of the outbreak yet.

The UK death toll in hospitals from coronavirus now stands at 7,978, a rise of 881 on the day but a smaller increase than the 938 seen in Wednesday's data.

With Johnson absent and the death toll still mounting, the British government is wrestling with two major issues - how to finance a vast increase in state spending to support the shuttered economy, and when to start easing lockdown measures.

With the economy facing potentially the worst hit since World War Two, the government said it had expanded its overdraft facility with the Bank of England.

The central bank has agreed temporarily to finance government borrowing in response to COVID-19 if funds cannot immediately be raised from debt markets, reviving a measure last widely used during the 2008 financial crisis.

The BoE said it was a short-term measure and both it and government said any borrowing from the Ways and Means facility - effectively the government's overdraft with the Bank - would be repaid by the end of the year.

The government has made pledges costing tens of billions of pounds to support businesses and workers hit by the virus. On Thursday, the government said an additional 1.2 million claims for welfare payments had been filed since March 16.

Raab said the peak of the virus outbreak had yet to be reached and that the government would not be able to say more about the duration of the lockdown until late next week, once experts have had chance to analyse data on how well it is working. It was introduced last month.

"The measures will have to stay in place until we've got the evidence that clearly shows we've moved beyond the peak," he said.

While Johnson's condition was improving, the likely length of his recovery remained unknown, with some political commentators saying there was a power vacuum in his absence.

Raab said on Thursday he had the power to make "necessary decisions" in the prime minister's absence and that government will continue to follow the strategy set out by Johnson. He said cabinet could take decisions collectively.

The United Kingdom is entering what scientists say is the deadliest phase of the outbreak, with deaths expected to continue to rise over the Easter weekend.

But in a sign the shutdown measures were working, health officials have said the number of coronavirus infections and hospital admissions had begun to show signs of flattening.

Police said they would be taking tougher action to do just that before the four-day Easter holiday weekend because many people were continuing to ignore the ban on social gatherings.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson left intensive care on Thursday evening as he continues to recover from COVID-19, but he remains under close observation in hospital, his office said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson left intensive care on Thursday evening as he continues to recover from COVID-19, but he remains under close observation in hospital, his office said on Thursday. Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday evening with a persistent high temperature and cough, and was rushed to intensive care on Monday where he spent three nights receiving treatment. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide "The prime minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," a spokesman from his office said in an emailed statement. "He is in extremely good spirits." Also read: IMF says coronavirus could trigger worst fallout since the 1930s Johnson was the first world leader to be hospitalised with the coronavirus, forcing him to hand control of the world's fifth-largest economy to foreign minister Dominic Raab just as Britain's outbreak approaches its most deadly peak. Raab tweeted that the improvement in Johnson's condition was "the news we all wanted to hear". U.S. President Donald Trump described it as "great news". Johnson's ongoing recovery prompted a small rise in the value of sterling against the dollar. However, the government statement did not give any details on when Johnson may be able to resume leadership, and Raab - speaking before the latest announcement - had stressed the importance of allowing the prime minister to focus on recovery. No further updates on Johnson's health were expected on Thursday. Raab is deputising for Johnson during the most stringent shutdown in Britain's peacetime history. Earlier he told a news conference it was too early to end the lockdown because Britain had not reached the peak of the outbreak yet. The UK death toll in hospitals from coronavirus now stands at 7,978, a rise of 881 on the day but a smaller increase than the 938 seen in Wednesday's data. With Johnson absent and the death toll still mounting, the British government is wrestling with two major issues - how to finance a vast increase in state spending to support the shuttered economy, and when to start easing lockdown measures. With the economy facing potentially the worst hit since World War Two, the government said it had expanded its overdraft facility with the Bank of England. The central bank has agreed temporarily to finance government borrowing in response to COVID-19 if funds cannot immediately be raised from debt markets, reviving a measure last widely used during the 2008 financial crisis. The BoE said it was a short-term measure and both it and government said any borrowing from the Ways and Means facility - effectively the government's overdraft with the Bank - would be repaid by the end of the year. The government has made pledges costing tens of billions of pounds to support businesses and workers hit by the virus. On Thursday, the government said an additional 1.2 million claims for welfare payments had been filed since March 16. Raab said the peak of the virus outbreak had yet to be reached and that the government would not be able to say more about the duration of the lockdown until late next week, once experts have had chance to analyse data on how well it is working. It was introduced last month. "The measures will have to stay in place until we've got the evidence that clearly shows we've moved beyond the peak," he said. While Johnson's condition was improving, the likely length of his recovery remained unknown, with some political commentators saying there was a power vacuum in his absence. Raab said on Thursday he had the power to make "necessary decisions" in the prime minister's absence and that government will continue to follow the strategy set out by Johnson. He said cabinet could take decisions collectively. The United Kingdom is entering what scientists say is the deadliest phase of the outbreak, with deaths expected to continue to rise over the Easter weekend. But in a sign the shutdown measures were working, health officials have said the number of coronavirus infections and hospital admissions had begun to show signs of flattening. Police said they would be taking tougher action to do just that before the four-day Easter holiday weekend because many people were continuing to ignore the ban on social gatherings.

UK PM Johnson leaves intensive care, remains under observation

Britain is unlikely to lift its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, once the spread of the coronavirus has started to slow, a leading government adviser said on Saturday as the death toll rose to 4,313.

The government has put Britain into a widespread shutdown, closing pubs, restaurants and nearly all shops, while ordering people to stay home unless absolutely essential to venture out.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-told-to-wear-masks-as-spain-sees-signs-of-hope-290591">Americans told to wear masks as Spain sees signs of hope</a>

The order is designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country, which has almost 42,000 confirmed cases. But some experts have started to question whether the shuttering of the economy will cost more lives in the long run.

"We want to move to a situation where at least by the end of May we're able to substitute some less intensive measures, more based on technology and testing, for the complete lockdown we have now," Neil Ferguson, a professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London, told BBC Radio.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-extends-intensive-social-distancing-to-reach-50-daily-covid-19-cases-290573">UK's youngest COVID-19 victim, a 13-yr-old boy, buried without family in attendance</a>

Britain's death toll from the coronavirus rose by 20% to 4,313 by Friday afternoon with 708 new fatalties recorded, the health ministry said. That compared to a 23% rise on Thursday.

The peak of new cases could come within a week or 10 days, Ferguson said, but adherence to the strict rules will determine how quickly the rate of infections decline after that.

"It is quite finely balanced at the current time," he said, adding that Britain could have quite high levels of infection for "weeks and weeks" if people start to socialise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-what-our-urban-life-will-look-like-after-the-coronavirus-pandemic-290481">Here’s what our urban life will look like after the coronavirus pandemic</a>

Britain initially took a restrained approach to the outbreak but Prime Minister Boris Johnson changed tack and imposed stringent social-distancing measures after Ferguson's modelling showed a quarter of a million people in the country could die.

The response has since been hampered by a lack of ventilators and an inability to carry out mass testing to determine whether the public, and particularly health workers, have built up an immunity.

Johnson, who has been in self-isolation after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, has invited opposition party leaders to a briefing next week with medical advisers, including the new leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer.

"As party leaders we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency," he said.

'Painted into a corned'

Some are questioning the long-term strategy.

A second senior government adviser, the chief pandemic modeller Graham Medley, said he feared Britain had painted itself into a corner, with no clear exit from a strategy that would damage the economic and mental well-being of many people.

Almost one million people have applied for welfare benefits in just two weeks in Britain, according to official data that shows the economy is set for a depression that could be worse than the slump in the 1930s.

"If we carry on with lockdown it buys us more time, we can get more thought put into it, but it doesn't resolve anything - it's a placeholder," Medley told the Times newspaper.

"We've kind of painted ourselves into a corner, because then the question will be, what do we do now? In broad terms are we going to continue to harm children to protect vulnerable people, or not?"

Health Minister Matt Hancock has set a goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month, a tenfold increase that industry leaders have questioned due to shortages of equipment. It is also considering immunity certificates.

Separately the government said it would free prisoners who were deemed to be low risk and were within weeks of release.

Britain is unlikely to lift its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, once the spread of the coronavirus has started to slow, a leading government adviser said on Saturday as the death toll rose to 4,313.

Britain is unlikely to lift its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, once the spread of the coronavirus has started to slow, a leading government adviser said on Saturday as the death toll rose to 4,313. The government has put Britain into a widespread shutdown, closing pubs, restaurants and nearly all shops, while ordering people to stay home unless absolutely essential to venture out. Also read: Americans told to wear masks as Spain sees signs of hope The order is designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country, which has almost 42,000 confirmed cases. But some experts have started to question whether the shuttering of the economy will cost more lives in the long run. "We want to move to a situation where at least by the end of May we're able to substitute some less intensive measures, more based on technology and testing, for the complete lockdown we have now," Neil Ferguson, a professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London, told BBC Radio. Also read: UK's youngest COVID-19 victim, a 13-yr-old boy, buried without family in attendance Britain's death toll from the coronavirus rose by 20% to 4,313 by Friday afternoon with 708 new fatalties recorded, the health ministry said. That compared to a 23% rise on Thursday. The peak of new cases could come within a week or 10 days, Ferguson said, but adherence to the strict rules will determine how quickly the rate of infections decline after that. "It is quite finely balanced at the current time," he said, adding that Britain could have quite high levels of infection for "weeks and weeks" if people start to socialise. Also read: Here’s what our urban life will look like after the coronavirus pandemic Britain initially took a restrained approach to the outbreak but Prime Minister Boris Johnson changed tack and imposed stringent social-distancing measures after Ferguson's modelling showed a quarter of a million people in the country could die. The response has since been hampered by a lack of ventilators and an inability to carry out mass testing to determine whether the public, and particularly health workers, have built up an immunity. Johnson, who has been in self-isolation after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, has invited opposition party leaders to a briefing next week with medical advisers, including the new leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer. "As party leaders we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency," he said. 'Painted into a corned' Some are questioning the long-term strategy. A second senior government adviser, the chief pandemic modeller Graham Medley, said he feared Britain had painted itself into a corner, with no clear exit from a strategy that would damage the economic and mental well-being of many people. Almost one million people have applied for welfare benefits in just two weeks in Britain, according to official data that shows the economy is set for a depression that could be worse than the slump in the 1930s. "If we carry on with lockdown it buys us more time, we can get more thought put into it, but it doesn't resolve anything - it's a placeholder," Medley told the Times newspaper. "We've kind of painted ourselves into a corner, because then the question will be, what do we do now? In broad terms are we going to continue to harm children to protect vulnerable people, or not?" Health Minister Matt Hancock has set a goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month, a tenfold increase that industry leaders have questioned due to shortages of equipment. It is also considering immunity certificates. Separately the government said it would free prisoners who were deemed to be low risk and were within weeks of release.

Britain set for long lockdown as death toll rises to 4,313

Life may not return to normal in the UK anytime soon. The British government says the lockdown could last up to six months.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: The UK braces for a 6-month lockdown

The British government on Sunday said that the coronavirus lockdown could last a "significant" time as a leading expert warned it could be in place until June. "I can't make an accurate prediction but everyone I think does have to prepare for a significant period when these measures are still in place," cabinet minister Michael Gove told the BBC.

The British government on Sunday said that the coronavirus lockdown could last a "significant" time as a leading expert warned it could be in place until June. "I can't make an accurate prediction but everyone I think does have to prepare for a significant period when these measures are still in place," cabinet minister Michael Gove told the BBC. Britons have been told to stay inside wherever possible to limit the spread of COVID-19, joining millions of people on lockdown worldwide. The measure was introduced amid warnings that infection rates were spiralling, and new figures Saturday revealed that more than 1,000 people with coronavirus have now died in Britain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially said the shutdown would be for three weeks. Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London, one of the epidemiologists advising the government, told the Sunday Times the lockdown could last months. "We're going to have to keep these measures in place, in my view, for a significant period of time -- probably until the end of May, maybe even early June. May is optimistic," he said. In a leaflet being sent to more than 30 million British households, the prime minister warned that "things will get worse before they get better". "The more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal," Johnson wrote. But he added: "We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do." The Conservative leader has himself tested positive for coronavirus, as has health minister Matt Hancock, but Downing Street insists he is still in charge. Separately, Gove also used his BBC interview to take a swipe at China, where the first cases of COVID-19 emerged. "Some of the (early) reporting from China was not clear about the scale, the nature, the infectiousness of this," he said.

UK lockdown measures will be in place for 'significant period': Government

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