UK Declares 'Highest Alert Level' for COVID-19 Amid Uncontrollable Spread

On the 23rd (local time), when the border between the UK and France reopened, police were stationed at the entrance of Dover Port, a transportation hub of the English Channel in the UK.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] In the UK, where the spread of COVID-19 is intensifying with the recent detection of new coronavirus variants, the highest level of quarantine regulations has been expanded.

According to local media, on the 26th (local time), the UK government imposed the highest level 4 response measures additionally in eastern and southeastern England, including Sussex, Oxfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. As a result, about 24 million people, roughly 40% of England's population, are effectively confined to their homes.

The level 4 COVID-19 response is a newly established quarantine regulation by the UK government in response to the emergence of more contagious variants. Essentially, it is similar to a lockdown, requiring people to stay at home unless working remotely is impossible or for purposes such as attending school, childcare, or exercise.

In areas where the regulations apply, no one is allowed to enter or leave, and residents must not leave their homes overnight. Non-essential businesses such as shops, gyms, and hair salons are all closed, and in public places, people can meet only one member from another household.

Scotland and Northern Ireland also began new lockdown measures on the same day, and in Wales, the relaxed quarantine regulations for Christmas have been reinstated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.