UK to implement full lockdown over discovery of new ‘variant’ of the virus

The measures will affect millions, since all of the areas in southeastern England, which includes the whole London area, will be in Tier 4 as of Sunday.

In Wales, their own Tier 4 measures will come into effect at midnight on Sunday, which is a whole week earlier than the original date.

And in Scotland, the whole area is planned to go into similar "Level 4 rules" from Dec. 26th onward. Also, new travel restrictions between the region and the rest of the UK are forthcoming.

Also, the planned five-day break from restrictions over the holidays in other areas will be reduced to just one day, according to Sky.

"Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday at a press conference, referring to worries about an unconfirmed but potential new strain of the virus.

"When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence. As your prime minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me."

The new regulations will mean that households are no longer allowed to receive visitors from other households, including on Christmas day itself.

As well, people in these Tier 4 areas will be again required by law to not leave their homes, except for essential purposes.