More than half of all areas in England are now recording rises in coronavirus infection rates as worry about the Indian variant builds.
Boris Johnson tonight warned the fourth and final planned unlocking on June 21 may be in peril as health authorities race to contain the highly infectious new strain.
The Prime Minister led a Downing Street press conference tonight warning the goal to lift the lockdown could face "serious disruption." He said the government faced "hard choices" as evidence shows the mutant strain is more transmissible and could affect the roadmap out of lockdown.
It is hoped the final sections of the economy that remain closed after Monday May 17's easing, such as nightclubs and large events, could return by summer.
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