Boris Johnson said the UK was 'just seeing too many cases' as justification for the second lockdown. Reuters
Boris Johnson said the UK was 'just seeing too many cases' as justification for the second lockdown. Reuters
Boris Johnson said the UK was 'just seeing too many cases' as justification for the second lockdown. Reuters
Boris Johnson said the UK was 'just seeing too many cases' as justification for the second lockdown. Reuters

Boris Johnson places England into second Covid lockdown


  • English
  • Arabic

Key points

  • UK to enter new four-week lockdown from November 5 to December 2
  • All retail, leisure and hospitality venues closed bar essential shops
  • Schools, universities and courts to remain open
  • All workers who can work from home ordered to do so
  • Furlough scheme to be extended for the duration of the lockdown
  • Outbound international travel banned; travel within the UK discouraged
  • Households won't be allowed to mix indoors or in private gardens

England will enter a new four-week lockdown to tackle rising infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday.

The lockdown, from November 5 to December 2, will mean all but essential shops closed and people should no longer meet family or friends indoors. Schools, universities and courts will remain open.
"Our hope was that, by strong local action, we could get the infection rates down," Mr Johnson said. "As we've seen, we have to be humble in the face of the nature, and in this country the virus is spreading even faster than the worst case scenarios."

He added: "Now is the time to take action because there is no alternative."
Infection rate across large tracts of England is increasing and more people are being admitted to hospital.

NHS in dire straits

Boris Johnson was flanked at the press conference by his Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and his Chief Scientific Officer Patrick Vallance.

In customary fashion, they presented a range of slides to show the path of the virus and its effect on the NHS, and to evidence subsequent policy announcements.

The chart below shows an exponential rise in hospital admissions in the 75 and over age groups - an increase which prompted Mr Johnson to intone solemnly that "the risk is for the first time in our lives, the NHS will not be there for us and our families.".

Hospitalisations are increasing across all age cohorts but especially the over 75s. Gov.uk
Hospitalisations are increasing across all age cohorts but especially the over 75s. Gov.uk

"If we do nothing, the inevitable result will be that these numbers will go up and they will eventually exceed the peak we saw in spring of this year," said Professor Chris Whitty.

Outbound international travel will also be banned, except for work, and travel within the UK will also be discouraged, except for work.

Schools the priority

One sector that will remain firmly open is education with the prime minister doubling down on his commitment that children should come first.

"My priority, our priority remains keeping people in education - childcare, schools, colleges and universities will still be open.

"We cannot let this virus damage our children's futures even more than it already has."

His comments were welcomed by Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, who said: "Children only get one chance at education, and we have to do everything possible to provide continuity of learning.

"Schools also play a vital role in providing support for children with special educational needs and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children."

The new restrictions were predictably less welcomed by those sectors which will be forced to shut down again. In the vanguard was the UK retail sector with the British Retail Consortium putting out the following statement:

“Retail faces a nightmare before Christmas...it'll cause untold damage to the high street in the run up to Christmas, cost countless jobs, and permanently set back the recovery of wider economy with only a minimal effect on transmission of the virus."

The sector had in recent weeks been on an upwards trajectory with retail sales rebounding for the fifth consecutive month in September. Chances of a continuation of the trend in November look slim, although a slither of hope is offered through the buoyancy of the online sector.

Mr Johnson's 'three rays of sunshine'

It wasn't all doom and gloom, however, with Mr Johnson's peroration designed to uplift the nation.

I am optimistic this will feel very different and better by spring

"As we come together now to fight this second wave I want to say something about the way ahead," he said.

"People will reasonably ask when will this all end, and I am optimistic this will feel very different and better by spring.

"It's not just that we have better medicines and therapies and the prospect of a vaccine, we now have the very immediate prospect of using millions of rapid turnaround tests. Tests you can use yourself whether or not you're infectious and get the result in 10 to 15 minutes."

He revealed the Government plans "a steady but massive expansion" in the deployment of smart rapid tests which could help women to see their partners during birth. He also said the army would continue to be involved in testing trials.

In a further fillip for football fans, Mr Johnson confirmed that the Premier League - and most other elite sport - would be permitted to continue, a marked difference to the first lockdown when sports fans were deprived of action for three months.

Grim Covid milestone reached

The UK also reached one million total cases on Saturday.

Two scientists advising the UK government on its coronavirus action plan have publicly supported a new national lockdown ahead of continued local restrictions.

Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), speaking before the lockdown was announced, said Christmas, when families and friends could be tempted to socialise and break lockdown orders, can be made "relatively safe" with strict restrictions now.

Another Sage adviser, Professor Calum Semple, said "the tiered approach to restrictions hasn't worked particularly well".

"If [a four-week lockdown] was applied nationally and was adhered to you would see a dramatic fall in hospital admissions and that's in four weeks' time,” Prof Semple said.

The UK on Friday reported 24,405 new cases of Covid-19 and a further 274 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to government data.

Mr Johnson has repeatedly said he did not want to impose a second national lockdown because of the harm it will do to the economy.

His delay in locking down was seized upon by the UK Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, pleased no doubt to distract attention from the latest bout of internecine warfare to engulf his party following the suspension of its former leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Starmer tweeted:

Following it up with the biting verdict:

France, similarly, was adamant there would be no second lockdown but President Emmanuel Macron did a U-turn in the face of spiralling infection rates.
In England, each region is placed in one of three tiers with Tier 1 being medium, Tier 2 high and Tier 3 very high.
But so far, regional restrictions have not slowed the spreading second wave.

  • Protesters gather for a flashmob demonstration to demand emergency income and financing in front of the Milan branch of the Bank of Italy. EPA
    Protesters gather for a flashmob demonstration to demand emergency income and financing in front of the Milan branch of the Bank of Italy. EPA
  • Owners of restaurants and event organisers gather to protest at rally in front of the colosseum in Verona. EPA
    Owners of restaurants and event organisers gather to protest at rally in front of the colosseum in Verona. EPA
  • Italian chefs and restaurant owners gather near place settings positioned on the street as they participate in a protest at Pantheon Square in Rome. AFP
    Italian chefs and restaurant owners gather near place settings positioned on the street as they participate in a protest at Pantheon Square in Rome. AFP
  • People take part in a protest organised by fairs and events workers in Warsaw, Poland. EPA
    People take part in a protest organised by fairs and events workers in Warsaw, Poland. EPA
  • A sticker reading "Hospitality not at closing" is pictured during a protest in Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
    A sticker reading "Hospitality not at closing" is pictured during a protest in Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
  • A Guy Fawkes mask hangs on a wing mirror as taxi drivers protest in Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
    A Guy Fawkes mask hangs on a wing mirror as taxi drivers protest in Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
  • Owners of bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, protest against the new restrictions imposed to stop the coronavirus spread. EPA
    Owners of bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, protest against the new restrictions imposed to stop the coronavirus spread. EPA
  • Artists and employees of events companies protest at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
    Artists and employees of events companies protest at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
  • Protesters demonstrate in support of the event sector in Berlin, Germany. Reuters
    Protesters demonstrate in support of the event sector in Berlin, Germany. Reuters
  • Demonstrators protest against the Czech government's measures in Prague, Czech Republic. EPA
    Demonstrators protest against the Czech government's measures in Prague, Czech Republic. EPA
  • The Czech Republic recorded a rise in Covid-19 cases, resulting in the government imposing a series of new restrictive measures. EPA
    The Czech Republic recorded a rise in Covid-19 cases, resulting in the government imposing a series of new restrictive measures. EPA
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

While you're here
Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
THE SPECS

Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury

Engine:  3.6L V-6

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 310hp

Torque: 367Nm

Price: Dh280,000

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The Sky Is Pink

Director: Shonali Bose

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf

Three stars

New process leads to panic among jobseekers

As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.  

“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.

Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE. 

“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.

“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”

The National in Davos

We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.

Where to buy

Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com

British Grand Prix free practice times in the third and final session at Silverstone on Saturday (top five):

1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.063 (18 laps)

2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:28.095 (14)

3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:28.137 (20)

4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:28.732 (15)

5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault)  1:29.480 (14)

Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

MEYDAN CARD

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m

8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m

10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m

10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

The National selections:

6.30pm AF Alwajel

7.05pm Ekhtiyaar

7.40pm First View

8.15pm Benbatl

8.50pm Zakouski

9.25pm: Kimbear

10pm: Chasing Dreams

10.35pm: Good Fortune

DUBAI CARNIVAL RESULTS

6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m

Winner Dubai Future, Harry Bentley (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

Winner Dubai Love, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m

Winner: Equilateral, James Doyle, Charles Hills.

8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m

Winner Laser Show, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor.

8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Glorious Journey, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m

Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

MATCH INFO

Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE

NEW%20PRICING%20SCHEME%20FOR%20APPLE%20MUSIC%2C%20TV%2B%20AND%20ONE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20Music%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2410.99%20(from%20%249.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.99%20(from%20%2414.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EIndividual%20annual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24109%20(from%20%2499)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20TV%2B%3Cbr%3EMonthly%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%246.99%20(from%20%244.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAnnual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2469%20(from%20%2449.99)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20One%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.95%20(from%20%2414.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2422.95%20(from%20%2419.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20premier%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2432.95%20(from%20%2429.95)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fixtures (all in UAE time)

Friday

Everton v Burnley 11pm

Saturday

Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur 3.30pm

West Ham United v Southampton 6pm

Wolves v Fulham 6pm

Cardiff City v Crystal Palace 8.30pm

Newcastle United v Liverpool 10.45pm

Sunday

Chelsea v Watford 5pm

Huddersfield v Manchester United 5pm

Arsenal v Brighton 7.30pm

Monday

Manchester City v Leicester City 11pm

 

While you're here
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900