U.K. minister says lockdown in England could be extended

The one-month lockdown for England announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this weekend could be extended as Britain struggles to contain a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior cabinet member said on Sunday.

Johnson announced on Saturday that the lockdown across England would kick in after midnight on Thursday morning and last until Dec. 2. He made the announcement as the U.K. passedonemillion confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Britainis grappling with more than 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day and scientists have warned a worst-case scenario of 80,000 dead could be exceeded.

So far, it has reported 46,555 COVID-19 deaths defined as those dying within 28 days of a positive test. A broader measure of those with COVID-19 on their death certificates puts the toll at 58,925.

Asked if a lockdown could be extended beyond early December, senior cabinet minister Michael Gove told Sky News: "Yes."

"We can definitively say that unless we take action now, the (health service) is going to be overwhelmed in ways that none of us could countenance."

The other constituents of the United Kingdom Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own policies and enacted tougher COVID-19 health restrictions last month.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday she was prepared to further tighten the rules there if necessary.

Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said the government had missed a golden chance to lockdown England more effectively when schools were on half-term break last month.

"Well that's gone now. That is the price of the government's incompetence," Starmer told the BBC.

WATCH | England to enter 2nd lockdown as COVID-19 cases soar:

England to enter second lockdown as COVID-19 cases top 1 million

4 years ago

Duration 2:34

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new month-long lockdown for England. He says current COVID-19 infection rates threaten to overwhelm hospitals in weeks without intervention.