UK announces further lockdowns as new infections surge

The UK government announced new local lockdowns in parts of North West, Midlands and West Yorkshire on Friday after a surge in new coronavirus infections.

Residents in these areas will be banned from socializing with other people outside of their households or support bubble in private homes and gardens starting from Tuesday.

In parts of The North West, specifically in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire, hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only, and restaurants, pubs, and cinemas are required to close by 10:00 p.m.

UK health officials on Friday said that the R (reproduction) number of the novel coronavirus is now between 1.1 and 1.4, meaning there is "widespread growth of the epidemic across the country."

Last week, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) estimated the UK's R number to be between 1.0 and 1.2, the first time it rose above 1.0 since March.

The government on Friday is considering whether to impose a second national lockdown as new cases surged dramatically in recent weeks.

On Thursday, Britain recorded 3,395 new cases, as its caseload hit 381,614, while death toll rose to 41,705.