When does lockdown start? And when experts told PM to do it

This article is about the second national lockdown in November 2020.

Get the latest on the lockdown starting in January 2021.

Another 326 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus as of Saturday (October 31), according to Government figures.

And grim models warned the Government without a lockdown, deaths in the second wave could be worse than those in the first.

Some forecasts said daily deaths could have reached 4,000 per day this winter.

This is why Boris Johnson acted, going back on his previous pledge to avoid the pain of another national shutdown, by using local restrictions in a system of Tiers.

But should he have acted sooner?

When was the Government told to bring in another lockdown?

Sage, the scientific advisory group for emergencies, apparently told the Government as long ago as September 21 that it should be strongly considering a new national lockdown.

The British Medical Association said it was "regrettable" the Government did not follow the advice.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, called for a short 'circuit breaker' lockdown three weeks ago, lasting two weeks and including half term to minimise disruption to schools.

While Wales is currently in a 'firebreak' short term lockdown and hopes to exit it in November.

When exactly does the new lockdown start?

The new rules of 'Lockdown 2' kick in at one minute past midnight on Thursday - so when you wake up on a day meant to be all about bonfires and fireworks, the new restrictions will apply.

How long will lockdown 2 last?

It's meant to end on December 2, after four weeks.

But if you remember, we were told when the first lockdown started on March 23 it would be reviewed after three weeks.

We ended up staying locked down until the summer.

The key new lockdown rules

– Millions of people classed as clinically vulnerable to coronavirus will be told to take “extra precautions” but will not be formally asked to shield.

– Travel and overnight stays in the UK and abroad will be restricted as people are advised not to travel unless for essential reasons.

– Churches will remain open for private prayer, funerals will be limited to 30 people – although it is advised that only close family members attend – and weddings are only allowed in “exceptional circumstances”.

– Single-adult households will continue to be allowed to form a “support bubble” with one other household, and children can move between homes if their parents are separated.

– Job centres, courts, and civil registration offices will remain open, and elite sport will be allowed to continue behind closed doors.

MPs will vote on the new measures in the Commons on Wednesday.