Many countries were forced to shut down activities after COVID-19 hit the world. England also began its first national lockdown in March, shutting down almost all business activities. Many companies had to make their employees work from home, except for a few companies providing essential services. To avoid boredom while at home, a lot of people had to engage themselves in online activities. Some people took courses on educational sites; some spent time networking on social media, and many others kept themselves busy with online table games.
Despite the lockdown, COVID-19 continued to spread across the United Kingdom. On May 5, the number of COVID-19 deaths increased to 29,427. This increase gave England the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in Europe. One of the most affected areas in the country was Brentwood, Essex. The area includes the towns of Brentwood, Ingatestone, Mountnessing, Shenfield, and others.
But as the pandemic lingered without a solution, many countries in the UK began to feel the impact the lockdowns had on the economy, not the least on major UK betting sites. For this reason, lockdown measures were being lifted cautiously in phases. Businesses reopened, and children were allowed to go back to school, but with strict restrictions. However, the virus did not stop spreading.
In September, there was a huge increase in the rate of COVID-19 spread across Essex, especially in Brentwood. The rate of COVID-19 infection grew from 13.0% to 39.0% in Brentwood within the month.
Essex moves into Local High Covid Alert tier on Oct 17
Matt Hancock, the Health Minister, confirmed on October 15th that new restrictions would be placed in Essex to further curb the spread of COVID-19 in the area. The announcement was reported on numerous Brentwood news media and radio stations.
High-risk Tier means people will not be allowed to meet residents from other households, and the rule of six continues to apply outdoors, including places like private gardens.
England goes into second nationwide lockdown.
The whole country began another national lockdown on November 5. This is about 3 weeks after the restrictions were imposed in Essex.
The decision was taken after the government was warned that the number of COVID-19 daily deaths could increase if urgent steps to stop curb the spread of the COVID-19 were not taken.
People are only allowed to leave home for work, medical reasons, exercise, school, shopping, or to provide care to vulnerable people. Restaurants and pubs were also ordered to close. They can only serve with takeaways and home deliveries.
Traveling out of the country has also be banned during the period. Only work-related travels are allowed.
While supermarkets will be allowed to sell goods available on their shelves, retail shops have been shut down. There is also a ban on indoor meetings, except for childcare.
Swimming pools, leisure centres, and gyms are also shut. However, people can perform exercises outdoor.
The new national lockdown is expected to end on December 2. The Prime Minister hopes to ease restrictions by then and return to the three tiers local approach, and the same system applied in Essex recently.
