SCHOOLS across Warwickshire are closed today after the country was plunged into another lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night (Monday) announced England would be following new restrictions and people must stay at home until at least mid-February.
People are only allowed to leave their homes for a handful of permitted reasons including essential shopping, to seek medical attention, exercise and to for work that cannot be done at home.
Schools across the county will be open for vulnerable children and children of key workers while all others will move to remote learning.
The prime minister also confirmed exams would not take place as usual this summer.
The new lockdown comes after the UK reported a record 58,784 cases on Monday, and a further 407 deaths.
He warned the sharp increase in cases and deaths could see the NHS overwhelmed within 21 days and urged people to ‘Stay Home, Save Lives and Protect the NHS’.
Mr Johnson said the vaccine had brought some hope and by mid-February all residents in care homes, along with their carers, everyone over the age of 70 and all frontline health and social care workers should be vaccinated.
The new lockdown will also see a number of businesses forced to or remain closed.
And business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have urged government to increase support for firms.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Louise Bennett said: “As businesses, we understand the need to put health first and we have repeated that message from day one of the crisis but we also know that for our economy to eventually recover, firms must be given as much support as possible to get through this.
“We would strongly urge government to announce a new package of realistic support for businesses which addresses the serious cash flow issues so many are experiencing.
“While the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of April is welcome, covering the ongoing costs of fixed overheads is still a huge challenge. Urgent support is needed so they can get through to the end of the crisis and help the UK restart, rebuild and renew as quickly as possible.”
