Half of England now under tougher virus restrictions

Phil HAZLEWOOD | AFP

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LONDON: Roughly half of England is now under tougher coronavirus restrictions, after the government on Thursday announced more stringent measures for London and seven other areas to try to cut surging numbers of cases.
But as ministers tightened the screw on social interaction to cut close-contact transmission, they sparked a furious row with leaders in northwest England, where infection rates are highest.
Talks broke down over the level of financial support available for people and businesses affected by plans for even tougher action.