24 Nov
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says a lockdown in England designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus will be lifted next week.
The British government imposed a second lockdown for England on November 5 amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections.
The lockdown requires residents of England to stay at home and retail shops, except for essential ones, to remain closed.
Johnson announced on Monday that the nationwide lockdown will end on December 2, and that the country will shift to a three-tiered system of restrictions.
Differing degrees of rules will be imposed on areas of the country depending on their number of coronavirus cases.
In all areas, people will be encouraged to work from home whenever possible, and retail shops will be able to open.
In areas where the virus is most prevalent, people will be asked to refrain from going out, except for essential travel, and pubs and restaurants will only be allowed to open for delivery or takeaway.
The tiered restrictions will remain in place until spring next year, while being reviewed on a regular basis.
The British government plans to announce which areas will fall into which tier on Thursday.
The prime minister said that he can't say that "Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity, time spent with loved ones is even more precious."
He said the government is working with local governments on a "special, time-limited Christmas dispensation."
NHK
