HOLIDAYS abroad are to be banned for a month under strict lockdown rules set to be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today.
The measures are expected to be announced in a live TV address to the nation as the government attempts to combat a surge in coronavirus cases.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
1
The announcement will throw thousands of holidays into chaos.
Holiday firms and airlines are unlikely to refund customers unless advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) changes.
Package holidays are supposed to refund customers if you’re unable to travel, according to ABTA.
But some holiday firms have previously refused to refund customers where flights to destinations still go ahead.
Customers are advised to seek advice from their holiday firm or airline on whether travel will go ahead.
It is unclear whether travel corridors will continue to exists.
The measures are expected to include the closure of non-essential shops, including pubs and restaurants unless for takeaways, as well as bans on overnight stays.
Mr Johnson introduced a three-tier system this month to try to steer away from a second national lockdown.
But as cases continue to rise he is expected to tell the nation in a press conference that it’s impossible to avoid.
The measures he’s set to reveal include:
- Pubs and restaurants will shut but will be allowed to do takeaways and deliveries
- Nurseries and schools are to remain open
- International travel will be banned – except for work
- No overnight stays and internal UK-wide travel is set to be discouraged
- All non-essential retail will close, but supermarkets will be able to sell any and all goods they like
- There will be a nationwide ban on people mixing indoors – except for childcare
- It’s thought that people will be allowed to exercise as much as they like
- Manufacturing and construction will be encouraged to keep going – and Parliament and courts will stay open
The lockdown is set to last until December 2 in an attempt to save the nation’s Christmas.
MACCIES MERCH
McDonald’s is giving away thousands of hoodies, bucket hats and wellies
RELIGHT YOUR FIRE
Yankee Candle Black Friday deals 2020: What to expect in the sale
WAGE WORRIES
Furlough ends TODAY – 5 things you need to know about how it affects you
DIE STREET
Which shops can remain open during second national lockdown?
CASH IN
Martin Lewis reveals 4 ways to check if you’re owed cash – and it could be £1,000s
WARNING!
If you now drive to work due to Covid check your insurance or risk £300 fine
But it will apply to England only – Scotland and Wales have said they will assess the situation and apply their own rules.
The Tier strategy is thought not to be completely scrapped, and will return after the lockdown.
Experts warned a circuit breaker style two-week lockdown would now not be long enough to curb infections.
They told No 10 it is too late for that option now, with a month-long national lockdown the only way to bring down cases
A further 274 new deaths were also reported yesterday, down from 280 a day earlier, taking the toll to 46,229.
Boris Johnson Downing Street press conference
