BRITONS are holding on to hope that 2021 might be a Covid-free Christmas \- or at least a lockdown-free season. It comes as various European countries are entering lockdowns as we approach the festive season.
AlamyThere is concern that the UK might go into another lockdown '/ ' In the week commencing Monday, November 22, 2021, Boris Johnson said that he saw no need to move the UK's winter "Plan B" \- which includes people being made to wear masks indoors and advised to work from home. He said: "We don't know how this wave will wash up on our shores but history shows we cannot be complacent.... Cases are rising in countries such as Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark and there are concerns these infections could make their way to the UK. However, there are some details that play in the UK's favour for not going into lockdown. The UK's reopening in July brought a level of immunity among younger age groups. The UK was able to reopen earlier than other parts of Europe, partly due to timing and partly thanks to advice from Government scientists. Most read in News 'GUIDING STAR' Heartbreaking tribute to beloved wife killed alongside 2 others in A63 crash WAR OF WORDS Moment mum is abused days before she & husband killed in 'parking row' 'MAKING LIFE HELL' Locals horrified as travellers set up caravans just outside £700k homes FIRE TRAGEDY Twins, 4, burned alive in mum's arms alongside dad in bus blaze that killed 45 TAKING THE MICK M25 protester begs for YOUR cash to pay for £700-a-month rent while in jail TRAGIC END Couple, 33 & 36, stabbed to death at home after 'row over parking' The more infectious Alpha and Delta variants hit the country sooner, meaning it reached the position of unlocking before others. Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance also felt it was better to have a rebound in infection during the summer. Which areas of the UK have the most cases? On Monday, November 22, 2021, the UK recorded its lowest daily Covid death toll in three weeks as a further 45 fatalities were recorded \- but cases were still rising. Torridge in south west England is currently seeing the highest number of cases in the UK. In the week November 12-8, it had 1,017 cases per 100,000 people. Which countries have gone into another lockdown? The Netherlands became the first country in western Europe to impose a partial lockdown from Saturday, November 20, 2021, which resulted in violent demonstrations against the Government. The restrictions, lasting at least three weeks, include the closure of bars, restaurants and essential shops from 8pm, with non-essential retail and services such as hairdressers to close at 6pm. In Austria, the two million unvaccinated citizens were banned from leaving their homes unless for food or work on Monday 22 November. Austrian chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced the draconian new rules which came into force in the country's worst hit areas. Austria's so-called Epidemic Act means people can be handed warning notices, ordered to take Covid tests, and be given fines of £1,900. Similar measures, as well as a ban for use of public transport or entering restaurants and cafes, are expected in Germany within days, with one state already denying entry into non-essential shops for the unjabbed. On Monday 22 November, Angela Merkel warned Germany's Covid nightmare is ...worse than anything we have seen.... We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours. Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks. Source: