SAGE Scrooge warns that Christmas bubbles are a "recipe for regret" that will "throw fuel on Covid fires".

Boris Johnson's three-house Christmas bubbles are a "recipe for regret" that will "throw fuel on the Covid fire" and spark a deadly third wave, a wise scientist warned.

The director of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, Professor Andrew Hayward, claimed the five days of festive freedom would "lead to an increase in transmission", "hospitals would be overrun and unnecessary deaths".

He admitted that vacation cannot be banned, but asked for clearer information on the dangers of social mixing and advised the British to wait a little longer and be patient.

Three households are allowed to create “Christmas bubbles” over the Christmas season after politicians across the UK agree to loosen draconian curbs and give beleaguered families a break from coronavirus rules.

At a meeting of the Cobra Emergency Committee with four nations yesterday afternoon, plans were agreed that allow extended families and friends to meet in exclusive groups without social distancing.

The casual action will take place from Wednesday December 23rd through Sunday December 27th, paving the way for families in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to meet.

In England, those who are already in "support bubbles" with vulnerable or lonely relatives living elsewhere are counted as one household under the new rules – expanding the size of potential congregations.

Travel across plains in England is permitted, as is travel between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

But a blow for the hotel industry, the Christmas bubbles may only meet in private houses, places of worship and in public spaces outdoors.

The rules for pubs, restaurants and other venues remain the same no matter which level they are in.

The Christmas agreement was made between the Cabinet Minister Michael Gove and the First Ministers of the decentralized governments.

Mr Gove was optimistic when he said the move would "offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices in this difficult year".

But Boris Johnson and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford were both more cautious. The Prime Minister posted a video on his Twitter that read "The virus doesn't know it's Christmas and we all need to be careful".

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon suggested that the Christmas break after the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland would not be exactly the same.

In other major developments:

• Rishi Sunak is preparing to highlight the grave public finance impact of the pandemic in a comprehensive spending review that will confirm a public sector wage freeze and aid budget cuts.
• Another 11,299 coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK, down 43 percent from a week earlier, and 608 more deaths.
• A report from the National Audit Office found ministers wasted £ 10 billion on PPE due to insufficient inventory.
• Mr Hancock told workers to take more sick days off instead of spreading infections.
• Government scientific adviser Lucy Yardley said household mixing in the family home could be more dangerous than mixing in pubs.
• A Cambridge statistician accused ministers of using Covid-19 data in ways that could "manipulate" and "frighten" rather than inform.
• Plans to free up storage space in hospitals this winter are mixed up as nursing homes refuse to accept Covid patients unless they are protected against legal claims.
• Officials warned vacationers could be banned from cruising well into next year. However, business travelers and tour groups can avoid quarantine if they plan to reopen England's borders.

Prof. Hayward told Newsnight, “I think the government has really given the go-ahead to allow families to get together over Christmas and effectively this would throw fuel on the Covid fire.

"And thinking will definitely lead to an increase in transmission and likely a third wave of infections with overcrowded hospitals and more unnecessary deaths."

“Covid-19 is a disease that thrives on social contact – especially the kind of close contact in the immediate vicinity that you have in a household under relaxed circumstances.

“It's a virus that is dangerous to the elderly. We are still in a country where Covid is heavily infected, especially among young people. I think it is a recipe of regret for many families to spend hours together, let alone days with older relatives. & # 39;

“All families have a choice here. My personal decision would be to wait safely for a vaccine to come. I would meet up with my family if they were vaccinated and have a proper Easter Christmas get-together so many other Christmases would come.

“I think the danger is that the vaccine will be very successful. If we're not careful over Christmas, there is a risk that we will lose sight of defeat in this case.

“I can see that you can't ban Christmas, but I think you can give clear messages to families about the dangers, about the dangers of intergenerational mixing, and that's one thing.

“Many people suffer from loneliness and it is very difficult for people to be separated from their families. But I think people will have to wait a little longer. Be patient. & # 39;

Speaking after yesterday's Cobra meeting, Mr Gove said: “The British agreement reached yesterday will offer hope to families and friends who have made many sacrifices during this difficult year.

“We know the Christmas season will not be normal this year, but following constructive discussions between the UK government and decentralized administrations, families and friends now have the opportunity to meet on a limited and cautious basis across the UK if they wish.

"In reaching this agreement, we listened to scientific and clinical advice on how best to minimize risk and achieve a balanced and workable set of rules that we hope people can spend time together at this important time of year."

But Prime Minister Johnson was more cautious during a video posted on Twitter, saying, “This year Christmas will be different.

“Many of us long to spend time with family and friends, regardless of their beliefs or origins. Yet we cannot afford to ignore caution. The virus doesn't know it's Christmas and we all have to be careful.

"I know this is not the same as a normal Christmas holiday and will not work for everyone. It is up to each of us to think carefully about how we use this particular limited-time donation."

The Welsh First Minister, Mr Drakeford, adopted a similar tone, adding: “We need to realize that Christmas is a very important time for people and that you must have a set of rules within which people will be ready to to operate within.

"While I am hesitant because of the state of the virus in Wales and across the UK, it is better that we come up with a number of joint arrangements that will provide a framework for people to manage and act responsibly within the virus."

Ms Sturgeon had previously suggested that the Christmas break would not be exactly the same following the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland.

She said, “We know that for some, staying in touch with friends and family is vital during this time, as isolation and loneliness can hit people particularly hard at Christmas time. The "bubble" approach aims to reduce this impact.

“But we have to be clear that there can be no further relaxation of the measures for Hogmanay. Even this brief relaxation gives the virus a chance to spread. Our priority is to suppress the transmission of Covid-19 and reduce the risk to the vulnerable and those who have been shielded for so long – and to do this, the rules must be followed.

“Just because you can mingle with others indoors during this time doesn't mean you have to. If you choose to follow the rules as they are, you will continue the hard work to fight this virus and prevent it from spreading. & # 39;

In Scotland there are currently different assembly rules than in England. B. the exclusion of minors under 12 years of age.

For days, desperate efforts have been made to find a common position for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to make a kind of family Christmas possible.

The announcement was expected yesterday, but that was earlier called into question when government sources admitted that "details need to be ironed out".

As the dispute between the British nations continues, Mr Johnson faces a Tory revolt over his new local lockdown plans for December 2nd.

MPs have warned Mr Johnson that placing parts of the country under draconian Level 2 and 3 restrictions and causing a harmful new mutiny will be "catastrophic" for corporations.

Ministers insist that they wait for the latest local infection data to decide which brackets to put each area in. The breakdown is due to be released on Thursday.

But Whitehall sources said there would be very few districts in Tier One where indoor socializing will be allowed.

A source said it was "quite possible no one is in Tier One" when the latest Covid numbers were analyzed Wednesday by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.

Older Conservatives say the "mood music" is that most places will be subject to the tougher levels – imposing severe restrictions on bars and restaurants, as well as restrictions on household mixing.

There have been complaints that the criteria for deciding on animal assignments are too vague and the geographic areas too broad. MPs and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have been lobbying to stay away from the toughest levels.

Alarming to Mr Johnson, the chairman of the mighty year 1922 said yesterday afternoon that he was "inclined" to oppose the measures in a vote next week. Sir Graham Brady said he was concerned that the damage being done to the economy would "leave a legacy to live with for years to come".

Mr Johnson confirmed the blanket lockdown in England will end as planned next Wednesday, but warned that the coronavirus curbs will have to stay in place until Easter despite more good news about vaccines.

Speaking at a self-isolation press conference on Downing Street, Mr. Johnson said, "It's the time of year to be funny, but it's also the time to be funny, careful, especially with older relatives."

He added, "This is not the time to rip the virus apart for Christmas parties." The government unveiled its new three-tier system for the end of the current lockdown on December 2nd.

Labor has said it is unsafe to back the plan when it comes to a vote next week as Tiers are too "risky" but it is more likely to abstain than to oppose directly .

That said, the government is almost guaranteed to win.

However, a major Tory insurrection would deal another blow to the prime minister's authority.

Sir Graham told BBC World at One that he was unlikely to support the measures next week.

"I'm concerned that a large number of companies, particularly but not all of the hospitality industry, have already lost money under Tier Two," he said.

“There is a very narrow limit to how long they can go on without even higher unemployment, and especially youth unemployment.

"And we know the impact – not just economically, but on the other health effects, physical and mental health – is enormous when we see this major economic blow in terms of unemployment and opportunities for young people is the legacy that we could live with for years to come.

Former Minister Sir Desmond Swayne told MailOnline that the critical moment will come when the levels are assigned.

& # 39; There are many concerns. Will anyone get away with Tier One? & # 39; he said.

“I was in Tier One before. The mood music seems to suggest that everyone is climbing one – it's going to be worse than before.

& # 39; We'll have gone from lock to lock under a different name. This is indefinite – it goes on until spring. It's a miserable situation, but devastating for companies.

& # 39; It's disastrous. Those crazy scientists … to be fair, they are only asked how to stop a virus from spreading, but politically speaking, how to stop an economic catastrophe from spreading. & # 39;

Tory's mayoral candidate for London Shaun Bailey and MPs in the capital have called on the government to stop the introduction of the third stage.

Mr Khan tweeted, “London's unique ecosystem of bars, businesses, restaurants, clubs and cultural institutions has had an extremely difficult year.

"If they had to close in Tier 3 during the Christmas season and beyond, it would be a hammer blow many might not recover from."

Labor Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, also called for the area's status to be downgraded from before the national lockdown. "I definitely hope that our region doesn't go back to the highest level," he said.

Conservative MP for South West Devon Gary Streeter said he had urged to be in Tier One. "I just finished a Zoom call with health ministers urging our region to get into Tier 1 next week," he tweeted.

& # 39; Might touch and walk. We will try to strike the right balance between protecting public health and breathing the economy. & # 39;

Another Tory, William Wragg, warned that his Hazel Grove seat should not be subject to stricter restrictions due to his cases in neighboring areas. "We need to make sure local Covid data is used when making level decisions," he said.

Marcus Fysh MP said MailOnline numbers in Yeovil appeared to be down and was "concerned" about animal assignments. “I'm not sure where Somerset will be. I wouldn't hope tier three, and I wouldn't hope tier two. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was tier two. & # 39;

He suggested that there should be more precise criteria for deciding which levels to apply.

& # 39; There is no rating. It's all fingers in the air … "" That seems like a way, "" said Mr. Fysh.

Julian Sturdy MP is also pushing for York to be in Tier One. "After the self-discipline that York residents have shown to bring our rate down to the lowest in Yorkshire, my great concern now is that a supraregional approach may not reflect this and may lead to tougher action against higher rates in Hull." Scarborough & Leeds, ”he said.

In the Commons last night, ex-whip boss Mark Spencer, who heads a 70-strong Covid recovery group of skeptical MPs, said they would "judge" the measures until the Tiers collapse was known.

"I think if your area gets Tier 3, you will have a hard time seeing a huge difference from the lockdown," he said.

Sir Desmond also intervened to compare Mr. Johnson to Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan government.

In June 1647, Christmas was abolished by a parliament against excess and soldiers were sent to end services and festivals.

Decorations such as holly and ivy were banned and the singing of Christmas carols was banned.

Sir Desmond said: “The last ruler to tell us how to celebrate Christmas or not was Oliver Cromwell. It didn't end well, did it? & # 39;

On the day the UK was advised it would have to remain in lockdown for at least four months, Oxford University confirmed that the cheap, easy-to-store and easy-to-deliver batch has been shown to be "highly effective" in preventing disease.

It could get regulatory approval in just a fortnight and be administered over the next month. The UK has ordered 100 million cans, with nearly 20 million due by Christmas.

Mr Johnson praised the breakthrough, saying that any British at risk could be vaccinated by Easter, which would allow a gradual return to normal by spring.

But he also warned against "over-optimism" and said it would be "tough months" before strict restrictions could be relaxed.

He put forward plans for a tougher tier system to replace the December 2nd lockdown, and said onerous rules must stay in place through at least March 31st.

Business leaders said the new system is "purgatory" for companies that have already been hit by two national shutdowns.

Despite opposition from Sadiq Khan and Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, London is likely to be in the third tier, the highest tier, after a surge in cases.

Whitehall sources suggested that very few, mostly rural, areas would belong to the first tier – the only tier at which it is possible to have contact with other households indoors.

Details will be announced on Thursday. The ongoing far-reaching restrictions will face significant opposition from many businesses, particularly hospitality.

Ministers are already prepared for Rishi Sunak to reveal shocking figures on Wednesday about the impact of the pandemic. A finance ministry source said the forecasts in the Chancellor's comprehensive spending review were "really, very bad."

Leaders in the North West were there last night and claimed the infection rate was much lower there than in London and the South East.

They warned that there had to be consistency and that the government should come to the negotiating table to support some of the poorest parts of the country.

Ugly disputes tainted the previous tiered system when Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham cursed Downing Street.

The post-lockdown system was set out on Monday in a 56-page “Covid Winter Plan”, in which the three levels are described.

The new rules apply at least until March 31 – more than a year after the first ban began.

Although last month's "stay home message" is being removed, people are being told to minimize travel and work from home until April as much as possible.

Business leaders welcomed the decision to allow stores to reopen before Christmas. Gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons are also allowed to trade on all three levels, and popular sports can be resumed.

But there has been misery for the hospitality industry, which faces crippling restrictions during the vital Christmas season and beyond. Before the lockdown, around half of the country was in the first stage. But the Prime Minister said there will be "many more places at higher levels" this time.

Mixing indoors is prohibited from level 2, including in pubs and restaurants. In tier 2, restaurants are only allowed to serve alcohol with a “substantial meal”.

In tier 3, pubs and restaurants are only allowed to offer take-away meals. Indoor entertainment, including cinemas, bowling alleys, and soft play centers, must close.

Emma McClarkin, executive director of the British Beer & Pub Association, said the new measures would "destroy our sector".

Jonathan Neame, executive director of the Shepherd Neame Pub Group, said the measures would be "devastating".

He added, “It's absolutely rotten for them to highlight hospitality in this way. It makes me sick. & # 39;

Meanwhile, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby urged people to "see their loved ones" for Christmas in order to tackle the "really dangerous epidemic of isolation".

He also encouraged Christian worship during the holiday season, telling BBC Newsnight, “Go to church online. Go to church physically.

“You will find that there will be far fewer people there because we are keeping people two meters apart. “Go to church, pray. Remember that at the heart of Christmas is the gift of Jesus Christ from God to give us hope, life and a future. & # 39;

Acting CBI chief Josh Hardie said, "Positive news about vaccines offers a ray of light for 2021." But the next few weeks and months will feel like purgatory for many – in the balance between a national lockdown and a new normal. "

The prime minister said he was very sorry for the economic hardship caused but insisted it was inevitable as a third wave of coronavirus must be prevented.

He praised the breakthrough in Oxford and told a press conference on Downing Street: "We can hear the drum hooves of the cavalry coming over the forehead of the hill."

The areas most at risk of being classified as Tier 3: East Sussex, Herefordshire and Milton Keynes were among the ten authorities in England that saw the greatest increases in Covid infection rates

East Sussex, Herefordshire and Milton Keynes were the local authorities in England to see the biggest spikes in coronavirus cases over the past week, official data has revealed.

Statistics from Public Health England show that infection rates – the number of new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people – rose by at least 50 percent in all three areas in the seven-day period ending November 15. Kent, parts of Essex and London were also hit hard.

The largest increases were seen in areas that were only subject to Tier 1 or Tier 2 rules under the local system, while the areas that saw the most decreases were almost all of the Tier 3 areas in the northwest , led by Warrington, Oldham, Wigan and Blackburn who suffered large numbers of infections during England's second wave.

Boris Johnson confirmed last night that the country's second draconian lockdown will end on December 2nd. No10 chose to revert to a revised three tier system that may need to stay in place until at least March 31 – more than a year after the initial lockdown began.

Ministers are waiting for the most recent data to decide which brackets to put each agency. The breakdown is due to be released on Thursday. Policy makers analyze infection rates, test the positivity and the speed of the outbreak growth to decide on action.

The hardest hit areas, including Hull and the Northwest, are expected to fall under the toughest Level Three, which will require restaurants and pubs to close – unless they have takeaways.

The debate over which bracket London should be in is raging. The capital's mayor, Sadiq Khan, predicts the city will face Tier 2 – which prohibits indoor mixing with other households. But high-ranking Tories, including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, last night called for the city, the beating heart of Britain's economy, to be placed under the first tier.

The mayors of the north have spoken out against plans to raise them to higher levels. Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester said they could cause "widespread business failure" in the region. MPs have warned T2 and T3 that they will be "catastrophic" for businesses and will spark a harmful new mutiny.

Whitehall sources told the Daily Mail that very few areas would be granted tier-one restrictions, with only the rural areas – like Cornwall and South Oxfordshire – likely to have the easiest rules.

The Prime Minister warned last night: "We expect more regions to fall to higher levels, at least in time, but by using those tougher levels and using rapid turnaround tests on an ever larger scale to bring R below one."

However, he added that the tightened tiers should allow local authorities to "lower the staggering to lower limits" when cases start to decline.

The previous system was heavily criticized because areas were classified in the third tier and then apparently had no way out of the curbs.

Politicians and local leaders gather yesterday to present the restrictions with significant challenges.

In the capital, Tory heavyweight Sir Ian told the Telegraph that it would need to be placed in Tier 1 in order to revive the country.

"London is dominant in the economy and we need it to get back to work immediately," he said.

Another London MP told the Guardian that they are "heavily lobbying" for the reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants in the capital.

Sadiq Khan told LBC on Monday, "It's a little early to say but based on the numbers I've seen representing a slowdown in the spread of the virus, there are declines in parts of London in some districts."

"What I hope is … London would probably be in what is called the second stage."

None of the London boroughs has a Covid-19 infection rate of less than 100 cases per 100,000 people. This is based on figures from Public Health England covering the seven-day period ending November 15, the last date for which data are available.

But infection rates rose in 20 of the 32 counties last week, with the biggest jumps in Havering, Enfield and Redbridge.

The highest infection rate is in Havering in the northeast of the city, the only neighborhood where it has risen above 300 per 100,000.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of patients admitted to hospital in the capital, suffering from Covid-19, remains low with an average of 154.7 admissions on November 17th after seven days. However, this is well below the peak of the first wave when an average of 748 patients were hospitalized with Covid-19 every day.

These levels are also among the lowest in the country, which ministers expect to mean that London can be spared the harshest restrictions on public freedoms.

The mayors in the north of England also refuse to be placed under higher levels again. Sheffield city guide Dan Jarvis warns: "We are ready to do our part, but we cannot be taken for granted."

He added: “Tightened restrictions have had a massive impact on the South Yorkshire economy.

The government said it would return to its agenda after the pandemic, but the brutal reality is we cannot wait that long.

& # 39; The government's spending review on Wednesday will have a golden opportunity to deliver on its promises.

"I have urged ministers to step up investment to give the north the best chance of weathering the storm, making sure businesses survive a harsh winter, and allowing us to kick-start the job of economic recovery and renewal."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has had a tough time rushing into the toughest of measures.

Mr Burnham said tightened Tier Three "could be devastating to the hospitality industry and hit cities and the city economy very, very hard".

Across England, Swale in Kent has the worst infection rate in the country at 631.7 per 100,000.

The local guides there have spoken of their "frustration" that the residents do not seem to obey restrictions and take simple precautions such as wearing a face mask.

Swale council chairman Roger Truelove said lockdown rules in the community were "deliberately disregarded" as residents routinely did not wear face coverings and ignored social distancing.

An Emergency Council meeting was held on Monday to discuss why the virus has grown so rapidly in the district, home to around 150,000 people and which includes Sheppey Island.

The latest analysis of PHE numbers by the Press Association news agency found that Covid-19 case rates began to decline in most regions of England in the last week through November 15.

Only two regions out of nine – London and the South East – are still seeing weekly increases in some cases. However, the full impact of England's second national lockdown is not yet apparent in the data.

It takes up to two weeks for someone infected with the virus to show symptoms, get tested, and get a positive result. This means that many currently reported infections may have emerged before immediate action was taken.

However, the latest numbers suggest that the numbers are going in the right direction, if not in all parts of England.

The statewide restrictions began on November 5th and the most recent numbers are for the week ending November 15th – just 14 days after the lockdown.

Flares of infection were recorded in 34 of 67 communities in the southeast, with Medway recording the largest jump.

Medway in Kent saw the sixth largest increase in infections in the country, rising 39.3 percent to 299 per 100,000.

However, the biggest week-to-week declines have been seen in the northwest – a sign that previous actions have helped clear cases alongside the lockdown.

Warrington saw the biggest drop in England, where infections fell 32.5 percent to 259.6 per 100,000.

It was followed by Oldham in Greater Manchester, where infections fell 30.7 percent to 519.2 per 100,000.

And Wigan saw the third largest drop, down 30.3 percent to 403.2 per 100,000.

When the tiered system returns on December 3, they will be checked every two weeks to see if local authorities need to impose stricter restrictions or can be dropped on lower restrictions.

It should be in effect by March 31st. From this point on, the tiered system ends.

Boris Johnson said last night that he hopes the country can get back to normal "by Easter" and predicted that it could if older and most vulnerable populations received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Three vaccines – including Oxford's vaccine – have stated that they trigger at least 70 percent of an immune response, leading Labor chief Sir Keir Starmer to say the end of the pandemic tunnel was in sight.

Britain has ordered 100 million cans of the Oxford / AstraZeneca jab. Up to four million are expected to arrive this year. It will also be the first part of a shipment of 40 million doses from Pfizer and BioNtech – who say their vaccine is 90 percent effective – by the end of the year and five million doses from Moderna – with a 94.5 percent effective effect – expected. next spring.

Leaked NHS plans show they could start vaccinating older and most vulnerable people against the virus in early December. In the new year, vaccines will be introduced for the rest of the population.

However, scientists have urged caution, warning that none of the shocks have yet been approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The regulator reviews data on the effectiveness of the vaccine and how safe it is before deciding whether or not to give it nationwide. It's a process that typically takes two years, but under pressure to get life back to normal, the regulator has stated that it is working hard to make a decision quickly.

The prime minister outlined his winter strategy on Monday with a plan to use an extensive testing scheme to win the rebels on the conservative back benches.

He told MPs that after the current restrictions expire on December 2nd, non-essential stores at all three levels can be opened, which will benefit retailers.

Mr Johnson also laid the foundation for plans to allow small numbers of households across the UK to mingle over a limited number of days around Christmas.

Boris' Plan for Winter in Full: How PM is hoping to get back to normal by Easter with the 56-page Winter Plan that combines vaccines, treatments and tough new lockdowns – WITHOUT crashing the economy

Boris Johnson yesterday released a 56-page winter plan outlining the coronavirus rules that apply to daily life until the government hopes the draconian curbs can be finally lifted.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the English lockdown will end on December 2nd as planned, and then the nation will return to a tiered system of measures that will be tougher than those that existed before November.

But Mr Johnson was optimistic yesterday afternoon when he said, "For the first time since this pathetic virus, we can see a way out of the pandemic."

Below is a breakdown of the Prime Minister's strategy.

He said "Breakthroughs in treatment, testing and vaccines mean the scientific cavalry is now in sight" and by April next year "these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we saw in 2020".

Mr Johnson said advances in technology would "obviate the entire concept of a Covid lockdown" as he urged the nation to stick to its winter plan and endure the "long road to spring."

The three main goals of the government

Mr Johnson's winter plan aims to achieve three main goals.

The first is to bring the R transmission rate of the disease below the critical number one and keep it there permanently.

For example, an R-number of three would mean that each infected person would infect an additional three people, causing the virus to grow exponentially.

If you kept the number below one, one infected person would infect less than another person on average. This in turn would lead to a decrease in the number of new infections.

The second goal is to find and introduce new and more effective methods of treating coronaviruses so that life can be "normal" again.

This includes using vaccines, implementing new medical treatments, and improving the NHS test and trace program.

The third goal is to keep damage to the economy and society as well as to jobs and livelihoods as low as possible.

Way back to normal: vaccines

Probably the most important piece of the puzzle to get life back to normal is developing and introducing a working coronavirus vaccine.

Mr Johnson's winter plan says vaccines that "provide lasting and effective immunity to COVID-19 can significantly lower the death rate of the virus and limit its transmission".

A working coronavirus bite should therefore allow ministers to relax restrictions as the spread of infections, especially to people in the most vulnerable groups in society, should be greatly reduced.

The government has signed contracts with seven different vaccine developers and secured access to more than 350 million doses by the end of next year.

The introduction of the vaccines will be entirely dependent on their regulatory approval, and the government has insisted that "the public will always come first".

"A COVID-19 vaccine will only be approved for use if it meets strict standards for safety, effectiveness and quality through clinical studies," says the winter plan.

However, ministers are confident that at least some of the vaccines will clear the regulatory hurdle in the coming months.

It will then be a question of not only using them, but also determining how long it will take for them to take effect and how long the immunity can last.

The introduction of vaccination will be the largest health project ever undertaken by a modern UK government, and a lot will be at stake to make it go well.

Way back to normal: treatments

The ability to treat patients with Covid-19 will be vital both before and during the launch of vaccines, as thousands of infections are likely to continue to emerge despite the new restrictions.

Effective treatments are critical to fighting the virus, especially for people who cannot be vaccinated, such as those who are immunocompromised.

The winter plan states, "Finding effective treatments will reduce the risk of life and serious illness for people who contract the virus and help them return to normal life."

Results are expected in the coming months for a variety of drugs and treatments that could help people fight the disease and recover.

Back to normal: testing

If vaccines are the single most important piece of the puzzle to getting life back to normal, improved testing is barely a second.

The government's approach to coronavirus testing has so far focused on symptomatic testing.

However, ministers hope that a massive expansion of testing capacity – notably with the help of rapid tests – will enable them to better localize asymptomatic cases of the disease and prevent people from unwittingly passing it on.

The ability to identify and quarantine people with coronavirus but who are not showing symptoms on a large scale is seen as a potential game changer in the fight against the disease and could have a massive impact on infection rates.

The winter plan reads: “The government plans to introduce frequent testing as an alternative to the need to self-isolate for people who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19.

"Instead, contacts are regularly tested as an alternative to isolation and only need to self-isolate if they test positive."

Local areas ranked in the top tier of restrictions will be given the opportunity to participate in a "six week test ramp" to combat local outbreaks.

Meanwhile, another £ 7 billion will be pumped into NHS Test and Trace, bringing total funding to around £ 22 billion in the current fiscal year.

Control of the Virus: A Return to the Plains

Meet family and friends

The rule of six will return, with variations on whether socializing can be indoors or outdoors depending on your level.

In tier 1 – medium alarm – people can meet in groups of six inside and outside, while in tier 2 – high alarm – being with five others is only allowed outdoors.

In Tier 3, the highest alert level, groups of six can only meet in public outdoor areas such as parks and sports fields – but not in private gardens.

Pubs, bars and restaurants

Hospitality is closed except for take out in areas with Tier 3 restrictions, but the rules for Levels 1 and 2 are a little more relaxed.

In Tier 2, hospitality must be closed unless it is run as a restaurant and alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal.

In tier 1, venues may only be table service. The 10:00 p.m. curfew will be replaced with a final order call at 10:00 p.m. and the venues must close at 11:00 p.m. for Tier 1 and 2.

It is to be hoped that the change in the curfew will prevent the old rules rush to the exit and result in a staggered departure of customers from the venues.

Shops, entertainment and hairdressers

In each category, retail and personal care businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons are allowed to reopen.

Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theaters, bowling alleys and casinos may remain open in levels 1 and 2, but not in level 3.

The return of unnecessary stores is welcomed by corporate groups as it marks the start of the critical holiday season for many retailers.

Weddings, funerals and worship

Weddings and civil partnerships can resume with only 15 guests, although wedding receptions are prohibited in Tier 3.

30 people are allowed to attend funerals, but only 15 people can attend a wake.

Places of worship can be reopened for collective worship at any level, but at levels 2 and 3, people are not allowed to interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble.

Gyms and exercise

Gyms and swimming pools can be reopened on all levels.

In Tier 1, classes and organized adult sports can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of six indoors.

Indoor courses and organized adult sports cannot take place in tier 2 or 3 if there is interaction with different households.

Tier 3 allows classes and organized adult sports to take place outdoors. However, it is recommended to avoid higher risk contact activities.

travel

Tier 1 tells people to walk or ride bikes wherever they can and avoid traveling to Tier 3 areas unless such travel is required for work or for training.

In Tier 2 areas, people are asked to reduce the number of trips they make as much as possible and to avoid trips to Tier 3 areas other than for work or education.

In Tier 3, people are asked to avoid leaving the area unless necessary for work or training. They are also asked to reduce the number of trips they make if possible.

To work from home

During the worst months of the pandemic, the government urged people to work from home wherever they could before encouraging people to return to the office in the summer.

The guidelines were changed again in September to stay at home and the winter plan adheres to that approach.

The blueprint states that "Working from home can have a significant impact on reducing transmission if everyone who can work from home does so".

Ministers are now encouraging all employers to "allow higher levels of home work", with the government insisting that "anyone who can work from home should".

Top sport and live performances

Large events – such as theater and spectator sports – are permitted in levels 1 and 2, but with capacity reductions.

They are still blocked in Tier 3, but drive-in events are permitted.

Tier 1 limits audience numbers to 50 percent of capacity or 4,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, whichever is lower.

Tier 2 sets audience numbers at 50 percent capacity or 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, whichever is lower.

behavior

Returning to a tiered approach will not change the ground rules that the government relied on for much of the pandemic.

That means ministers are still urging people to wear face masks indoors, maintain social distance, and self-isolate if infection is suspected or confirmed.

The winter plan states that "normalizing these behaviors has undoubtedly had an impact in reducing the spread of the virus" and continued adherence to these behaviors through winter will remain equally critical.

Christmas

The government is currently working with the decentralized administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to agree on a single set of rules for the festive season.

The plans are expected to include a slight relaxation of restrictions to allow families to meet for a certain number of days.

The plans are yet to be finalized, but a formal announcement is expected later this week.

Mr Johnson said Christmas was not "normal" this year, but recognized that "spending time with loved ones at a time of need for people of all faiths and none" is even more precious.

Protecting the NHS and the vulnerable

During the lockdown across England, people at extreme clinical risk were told to take "extra precautions" and stay home "as much as possible".

The end of the lockdown means the end of guidance for those individuals not going to work or school.

Instead, the government will reintroduce counseling for people at extreme clinical risk, depending on the animal area they live in.

As for social welfare, the government plans to take steps to prevent caregivers from inadvertently transmitting the virus by moving it between locations.

By the end of the year, ministers are putting forward legislation requiring all care home providers to restrict “non-essential movements of staff between facilities”.

In the meantime, the NHS will receive additional support of £ 205 million for the winter period, including £ 80 million to further develop recruitment programs.

The money comes on top of the previously announced £ 1 billion to help the NHS get behind in electoral operations.

Keeping education and the economy alive

The government's vacation program has already been extended to March next year as Chancellor Rishi Sunak tries to avoid a wave of layoffs in the winter months.

A self-employed income support system will remain in place until April, while the government's three main coronavirus business loan systems will remain open until the end of January next year.

The government has already spent more than £ 200 billion in support of the UK SPS and that bill is likely to grow in the coming months.

In terms of education, it remains the government's priority to ensure that schools, colleges and universities remain open.

The winter plan says: "In England, the policy is that educational institutions remain open at all levels."

Ministers have promised that all schools and colleges will have access to coronavirus tests so staff and students can be screened to see if they cannot access tests any other way.

Every university in England was given access to rapid asymptomatic testing.

It remains the government's plan to hold exams in England next summer.