Coronavirus POLL: Would you back an EXTENSION to the national lockdown to beat COVID-19?
Today marks the first day of England's second national lockdown, which has once again mandated the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms, beauty salons and non-essential shops. The fresh lockdown is due to end on December 2 but Express.co.uk is asking its readers if you would back an extension to help curb the spread of coronavirus?
The Chancellor has announced his job retention scheme will be extended until March.
He said the move is needed to help protect jobs and livelihoods as the economic risks
Mr Sunak told MPs: "To give people across the UK certainty over the winter, I can announce today that the furlough scheme will not be extended for one month, it will be extended until the end of March."
He told Parliament he would review the policy in January.
Would you back an extension to the national lockdown? (Image: Getty)
Rishi Sunak has announced the UK's furlough scheme will be extended until March (Image: Getty)
The furlough scheme provides 80 percent of wages up to a monthly cap of £2,500.
Mr Sunak said he had to make "rapid adjustments" to the Government's economic response to COVID-19 pandemic owing to how the virus has spread.
He told the Commons: "I know that people watching at home will have been frustrated by the changes the Government has brought in during the past few weeks.
"I have had to make rapid adjustments to our economic plans as the spread of the virus has accelerated."
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The Chancellor also outlined support for those who are self-employed, saying: "For self-employed people, I can confirm the next income support grant which covers the period November to January will now increase to 80 percent of average profits up to £7,500."
National lockdown restrictions came into force today, after MPs approved the measures in Parliament on Wednesday.
People have been told not to leave their home unless for essential reasons, such as attending school, university or college or going to the supermarket.
The Government guidance also permits people to leave the home for work, if it cannot be carried out from home, exercise, or for a medical need.
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National lockdown restrictions came into force today (Image: Getty)
People are also allowed to meet up with one person from another household outdoors, as long as social distancing is maintained.
Support bubbles will remain in place for the majority of the lockdown, including childcare bubbles.
Dozens of non-essential shops have been forced to close for a second time, including hospitality venues, leisure facilities, beauty salons and museums.
Click and collect services are allowed to continue and pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open for delivery and takeaway services.
UK coronavirus map live (Image: Express)
The main difference between the first national lockdown is that educational facilities have been allowed to stay open.
This includes all schools, colleges and universities.
Playgrounds and parks will also remain open.
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