According to the US Business Insider website reported on the 20th, after the government suddenly announced on the 19th that London would be blocked, groups of London residents tried to flee the British capital at the last minute.
Train stations in London (infographic)
Until tougher restrictions were introduced, those who tried to leave the city only had to do so until the last hours of midnight. As desperate London residents tried to flee the COVID-19 Level IV epidemic prevention area, the train station was surrounded by crowds.
According to BBC correspondent Lewis Goodall, trains out of London appear to be fully booked. According to the British "Independent", after 7 gMT, there are no train seats available at the main terminals of Paddington, King's Cross and Euston.
At a news conference on Saturday, Professor Chris Whitty, britain's chief medical officer, advised: "Even if you've packed your bags, it's better to take them apart (don't travel)." However, that doesn't seem to have stopped many people who wish to be home in time for Christmas.
Video taken at St Pancras Station shows large crowds trying to board the train. Similar images of other train stations in London appeared on social media.
The report pointed out that because the train was crowded with people, almost no one was practicing social distancing.
Commenting on the widely circulated video, British Health Minister Matt Hancock said in an interview on Sky News: "This is clearly completely irresponsible. ”
According to the report, the worrying thing is that the transmission capacity of the new crown virus mutant strain has increased by 70%, which may spread from the fourth level of epidemic prevention areas to areas with low infection rates, and then spread nationwide.
British Transport Minister Grant Shapps announced on the 20th that police will be increased at the station to prevent people from making unnecessary trips. He said in a statement: "It's extremely important for people to follow the guidance, stay home and don't try to travel. Our focus must be on stopping the spread of the virus, protecting lives and the UK National Health Service. ”
British Police (infographic)
He continued: "If you are in a tier IV epidemic prevention area, the law stipulates that you must stay at home and not spend the night outside. Can't travel to other parts of the country, you have to stay local. ”
According to the Guardian, the British police have said that they will impose fines on people who enter and leave the fourth level of epidemic prevention areas without reasonable reasons, but the police admit that they have no intention of setting up roadblocks or routinely intercepting vehicles.
(Editor: WDQ)