Prime Minister announces return to full national lockdown as coronavirus cases rise

The Prime Minister has announced a full lockdown will come into effect in England, including school closures. The move came as the UK's coronavirus alert level was raised from 4 to 5, the highest level.

People will have to stay at home as much as possible, and work from home where they can. Limited exceptions will allow shopping for essentials, attending medical appointments and exercising near home.

People can still meet with one person from another household to exercise with outdoors.

Guidance will be issued to the clinically extremely vulnerable, who are asked to shield again.

MPs are expected to vote on the new restrictions on 6 January, which will be enshrined in law with penalties for breaches.

The Prime Minister asked people to observe the lockdown immediately and not wait for it to become law. He said he hoped, if the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine to the four most vulnerable groups is achieved by mid-February, it may be possible to start lifting restrictions again.

National lockdown: Stay at Home guidance.

Prime Minister's address to the nation: 4 January 2021 speech.

Prime Minister announces national lockdown press release.

COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers