Click image to zoom

London To Be Placed Under New 'Tier 4' Of Coronavirus Restrictions

A woman wearing a face mask shelters under an umbrella during a downpour at Oxford Circus in London, England, on December 19, 2020. London and large parts of the south-east of England are to be placed under a new 'Tier 4' of coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this afternoon, responding to authorities' concerns over the spread of a more infectious strain of the coronavirus that is believed to be driving up hospitalisations in these parts of the country. Under Tier 4 rules non-essential shops must close, as must hairdressers, nail bars, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, with people instructed to stay at home other than when necessary to travel to work or education. Indoor mixing between those in different households is also banned under the new tier, upending Christmas plans for a huge swathe of the population. (Photo by David Cliff/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#6286800
Date Taken	19 December 2020
Location	N/A
Photographer	David Cliff/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - David Cliff/NurPhoto

United Kingdom UK England London health illnesses infections diseases public health emergency public health emergencies health crisis health crises coronavirus novel coronavirus coronavirus pandemic covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 pandemics epidemics disasters and emergencies infectious diseases severe acute respiratory syndromes respiratory illnesses respiratory diseases acute respiratory infections social distancing lockdowns Christmas Christmas shopping retail retail sector business and economics economic indicators economic data statistics retail sales consumer spending