Millions more people will be placed under tougher local restrictions as part of the new tier system to be brought in from next week.
Boris Johnson called for “one final push to the spring” as he set out the rules to replace the England-wide lockdown. The measures are likely to last until April.
Swathes of the country, mostly in the south and previously judged to be at the lowest risk, will be moved to the middle of three tiers. The number of people in the highest category will increase. Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, said he hoped that the capital would not be put in the highest category.
Hunters Farm Shop near Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, is preparing for the festive season, though family gatherings may differ from previous years and will vary across the United Kingdom
ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS
Despite a tightening of rules on household mixing and hospitality, some restrictions will be eased in all areas.