PEOPLE in England could be prevented from travelling to and from different parts of the country to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Boris Johnson has announced.
In an attempt to avoid another nationwide shutdown, the Prime Minister said councils in England will have new powers from tomorrow to help contain the virus.
Ministers will be able to close whole sectors in an area, tell people to stay at home and stop people entering or leaving an area.
He also set out his plans to prepare the NHS for a potential second spike in Covid-19 cases coinciding with the flu season this winter, saying the nation must be "hoping for the best, but planning for the worst".
Speaking at a Downing Street press briefing, the Tory leader announced: "From tomorrow, local authorities will have new powers in their areas. They will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events.
"These powers will enable local authorities to act more quickly in response to outbreaks where speed is paramount.
"Action by local councils will not always be sufficient, so next week we will publish draft regulations on how central government can intervene more effectively at a local level.
"Where justified by the evidence, ministers will be able to close whole sectors or types of premises in an area, introduce local stay-at-home orders, prevent people entering or leaving defined areas, reduce the size of gatherings beyond the national defined rules or restrict transport systems serving local areas."
READ MORE: First Minister hits out at 'absurd' Boris Johnson Border claims
Tory politicians have previously condemned Nicola Sturgeon for declining to rule out Border restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from England to Scotland.
Johnson said he found the suggestion “absolutely astonishing and shameful”.
Public health expert and Scottish Government adviser Devi Sridhar warned that the local lockdown approach adopted by the PM posed significant risks.
She tweeted: “I don't see how whack-a-mole & local lockdowns are a sustainable medium-term strategy without major social unrest & economic destruction.
“Lockdowns are a costly safety net (and last resort), not a strategy. Use them sparingly when all else fails.”
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