British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that COVID-19 lockdown measures there “are likely to become more difficult,” as the country needs to be “realistic” about the alarming spread of a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus.
Johnson said there are “clearly a series of tougher measures we should consider,” as each region remains below a different level of lockdown.
“What we are doing now is using the tiering system, which is a very difficult system … and unfortunately, it will probably become more difficult to keep things under control,” Johnson told the BBC. “The Andrew Marr Show . “
Most of the country is currently at the top Tier 4 level, which requires the closure of non-essential stores and places such as gyms and recreation centers.
Johnson said he would not “speculate” about what new rules could be enforced to stop the spread of the virus, but suggested curfews and school closures are on the table for areas with worsening outbreaks.
“It’s not something we necessarily want to do,” Johnson said of the potential closure of schools.
But Johnson said there is likely to be a “rough patch” as a new strain of the virus continues to spread rapidly across the country.
“We have to be realistic about the rate at which the new variety is spreading,” Johnson told the news show.
“We have to be realistic about the impact it has on the [United Kingdom National Health Service]. And we must be humiliated in front of this virus. “