Government Actions and Announcements Regarding the United Kingdom's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

By rh123456789

  • Coronavirus Detection

    Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China as a cluster case of pneumonia

  • The First Coronavirus Case Outside Of China

    Thailand recorded its first case of Coronavirus, the first outside of China.

  • The First Recorded Cases In The UK

    The United Kingdom recorded its first 2 cases of Coronavirus. Both were Chinese nationals who had flown into the UK from the Hubei Province

  • WHO Announces PHEIC

    The World Health Organization announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to Coronavirus

  • WHO Raises Threat Level

    The World Health Organisation Raised the Coronavirus Threat Level from High to Very High as the Disease Reached Every Continent.

  • Johnson Announces First Countermeasures

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this first measures to combat the spread of the disease. These were:
    - People displaying symptoms should stay at home for 14 days
    - Stop all non essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel
    - People with serious health conditions should stay at home for 12 weeks

  • Johnson - "Coronavirus Under Control In 12 Weeks"

    Johnson addressed the nation to state that he was 'absolutely confident that Covid 19 could be under control within a 12 week period'

  • UK Lockdown Announced

    Johnson announced that the country would enter a national lockdown to combat the disease. Citizens were only allowed to leave their homes for the following:
    - Shopping for basic necessities
    - One form of exercise a day
    - Medical Reasons
    - Travelling to and from work where necessary

  • 'Coronavirus Act 2020' Declared

    This act enabled police officers to enforce the lockdown rules set by Johnson, with offenders facing fines for any breaches

  • Raab Announces That Measures Would Be In Place For At Least Another 3 Weeks

    Cases rose 1450% in the 24 days since the lockdown began, leading the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Dominic Raab to announce the measures would stay in place for at least a further 3 weeks.

  • Johnson - UK Past The Peak Of Coronavirus

    in a public address Johnson reiterated a number of times that the country was past the peak of the virus.

  • A Plan Back To Normality

    Johnson stated that the following conditions must be met in order to return to normality:
    - We must be sure that we can continue to protect the NHS and its ability to cope
    - We must see a sustained fall in deaths
    - We must be sure that the infection rate is falling
    - We must overcome the operational and logistical challenges on testing and PPE
    - We must all make sure that the measures we take do not risk a second spike that would overwhelm the NHS

  • "Roadmap For Reopening Society"

    A new Covid alert system was introduced, using the 'R' infection rate and number of new cases to determine what level the nation would be in. The country currently categorised in Level 4 (Lockdown)
    June 1st was targeted to reopen schools and shops and July 1st was projected to be the date the hospitality industry reopened.
    Johnson again reiterated the country was 'past the peak'

  • Air Travel Quarantine

    People arriving in the country by air would be required to quarantine for 14 days

  • Schools Phased Reopening

    Schools reopened on the date set out by the PM, signalling the first relaxation in Covid measures since the beginning of the lockdown

  • Non Essential Shops Reopening With Strict Guidelines

    Non essential shops began to reopen on the 15th of June. Businesses were required to adhere to the following guidelines set by the government:
    - Protective coverings in place
    - Regular deep cleaning
    - Demonstrating awareness of Coronavirus measures
    Failure to meet requirements would result in fines and jail sentences of up to 2 years

  • Covid Alert Level Downgraded From 4 To 3 - Hospitality Industry Reopened

    Johnson informed the House of Commons that the Covid alert Level would be reduced from 4 to 3 as case numbers and the 'R' infection rate reduced. The 2 metre rule would be replaced with the 1 metre plus rule, allowing the majority of the hospitality industry to reopen. Close proximity venues such as gyms and nightclubs would remain closed.

  • Leicester - The UK's First Local Lockdown

    Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock announced that Leicester would enter a local lockdown, with the city facing the same restrictions as the national lockdown. Leicester accounted for 10% of nation-wide Covid 19 cases at the time

  • Face Covering Mandate

    Health and Social Care Secretary announced that face coverings were required in shops. Children and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, would be exempt. Those who disregard the rules would face a £100 fine. Shops were given the authority to enforce the rules themselves

  • Local Authorities Granted Power To Enforce Measures

    The national government gave powers to local authorities to enforce lockdown measures on a localised scale. This allowed the authorities to:
    - Restrict access to, or close, individual premises
    - Prohibit or restrict certain events
    - Restrict access to, or close, public outdoor spaces

  • Leisure Venues Reopened

    Leisure venues such as gyms and sports facilities were reopened as long as they met the government standard with their Covid prevention measures within the premise

  • 'Eat Out To Help Out'

    The 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme was proposed by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to boost the hospitality industry. Diners at participating restaurants would receive a 50% discount worth up to £10 on select days throughout the month of April. Over 100 million meals were sold during the scheme, with areas particularly busy with the scheme becoming hotspots for new cases. 8-17% of the reported cases throughout this period stemmed from the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme

  • Close Contact Businesses Reopened

    Close contact businesses such as spas and salons were able to resume trading

  • Tougher Sanctions For Offenders

    Further sanctions were announced for repeat offenders, doubling up with each offence to a maximum of £3200

  • 'Rule of Six' Introduced

    Gatherings with more than 6 people became a criminal offence and would be enforced with fines

  • Covid Alert Level Raised To Level 4

    Johnson announced the following rules to the House of Commons:
    - Work at home where possible
    - Restaurants must operate as table service and must shut at 10pm
    - Retail staff and taxi drivers must wear masks
    - The guidelines outlined for businesses will become legal obligations, resulting in fines or closures if they fail to comply
    Fines would double from £100 to £200 for those failing to follow the rules.
    Johnson also stated that military support is on standby to enforce these rules

  • Johnson's Threat Of Tougher Sanctions

    Johnson stated that tougher sanctions will be enforced if the outbreak could not be controlled

  • Three Tiered System For Localised Covid Alert Levels

    A new three tiered system would come into affect to isolate areas that saw a rise in cases. The country would reside in the medium level, with local areas being increased to 'high' and 'very high' where necessary.

  • Localised Lockdowns Overwritten By A National Lockdown

    Johnson announced that a National Lockdown would be enforced until the 2nd of December as a rise in cases began to overwhelm the NHS.

  • Return Of The Three Tier System

    The localised three tier system returned on the 2nd of December as the national lockdown was lifted

  • A New 4th Tier Introduced For London And The South East

    As a result of an increase in Coronavirus cases, London and the South East were placed in Level 4, a new tier with the same restrictions as a national lockdown

  • Schools Reopen For 1 Day Before Being Closed

    Pupils returned to school for a day following the Christmas holiday break before the PM announced that they would remain shut for the foreseeable future.

  • Third National Lockdown

    Johnson announced on the 6th of January that the country would return to a national lockdown for the third time.