Britain imposed tougher lockdowns across swathes of
northern England after a rise in the rate of coronavirus transmissions, raising
concerns that a second wave could sow yet more turmoil.
Britain reported its highest number of infections in
more than a month on Thursday, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of a
second wave in Europe and put people on alert about more quarantine
restrictions.
More than 4 million people were ordered not to mix
with other households in Greater Manchester, the biggest city in northern
England, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, though they can still go
to the pub and to work.
“The problem with this virus is that it thrives on
the social contact which makes life worth living,” Health Secretary Matt
Hancock told Sky. “I totally understand the human impact of this but
unfortunately that is how the virus passes on.”
“We can see that second wave in Europe,” Hancock
said.
Asked by the BBC if the UK was now entering a second
wave, Hancock said: “It is not yet and we are absolutely determined to take the
action that is needed.”
The measures were introduced hastily during the
start of the annual Eid al-Adha “feast of sacrifice”, disrupting the
celebration that marks the end of Ramadan for hundreds of thousands of British
Muslims.
People in the areas affected were told not to
socialise with other households at home or in gardens, or to meet with other
households in pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship or leisure
venues.
But people are allowed to attend a pub, church or
mosque with members of their own household. Those breaking the rules will face
a fine of 100 pounds.
Official data showed 846 new positive tests in
Britain - the highest number of daily infections since June 28.
Neil Ferguson, a leading epidemiologist at Imperial
College London, said he was anxious about the planned return of schools after
the summer break and cautioned that stricter controls could be expected later
in the year as infections rise.
“We will have to roll
back on forms of contact; reverse some of the relaxation,” Ferguson told the
New Statesman magazine, though he added that he did not expect a nationwide
lockdown.