British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that England will enter a new nationwide lockdown in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The lockdown, similar to the one imposed in March 2020, will include the closure of schools and nonessential shops. Johnson warned the country that the current variant of the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly, putting additional pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). The Prime Minister also mentioned that the new lockdown could last until mid-February, with the situation being reviewed in mid-February to consider a possible easing of restrictions.