UK PM Johnson imposes further COVID-19 curbs

Johnson's three-tier system, announced in parliament on Monday (October 12), is an attempt to standardize a patchwork of often complicated and confusing restrictions imposed across England.

Lawmakers will vote on the move.

The lockdowns will include shutting pubs and bars in areas placed into the "very high" alert level.

So far, Merseyside is the only area yet in that category and there gyms, leisure centers, betting shops, adult gaming centers and casinos will also close, Johnson said.

"We must act to save lives," Johnson told parliament, adding that he did not want another national lockdown.

"If we let the virus rip, then the bleak mathematics dictate that we would suffer not only an intolerable death toll from COVID, but we would put such a huge strain on our NHS with an uncontrolled second spike that our doctors and nurses would simply be unable to devote themselves to other treatments."

Health officials say the freshest data showed infections were rising across the north of England and in some more southerly areas too while the virus was creeping up age bands towards the elderly from those aged 16-29 years.

Manchester intensive care consultant Jane Eddleston said 30% of critical care beds were taken up with COVID-19 patients - starting to impact on healthcare for others.