Tier 4 restrictions, which implement a stay-at-home order and revoking of the Christmas relaxation measures, have been introduced in London and other parts of the southeast. The news is a significant blow to people all over the country.
Christmas relaxation rules have also changed, with mixing only allowed on Christmas day, and overnight stays outside of your household discouraged.
Boris Johnson said: “I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is, for instance, for grandparents to see their grandchildren, for families to be together.
“So I know how disappointing this will be. But we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.
“When the science changes, we must change our response.”
Boris Johnson did not confirm whether police would be told to stop people travelling home in light of the new rules or if they would knock on people’s doors on Christmas day.
He commended officers throughout the pandemic, saying they had done an “amazing job” of “light touch” policing and that the public had been generally compliant.
“(People) naturally want to do it themselves.
“The bulk of the population do it themselves and get it right and they’ll continue to do so.”
As it currently stands, how the new changes will be enforced has not been outlined, but it is expected the usual fines fines for breaching Covid regulations will still be in force.
Northern Ireland
People aged 18 or over can be fined:
• £60 for the first offence, lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days
• £120 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £960
