Coronavirus restriction tiers may have to be strengthened after England comes out of lockdown, a government expert has warned.
Susan Hopkins, a Public Health England advisor on Covid-19, said the lower tiers had been less effective at reducing cases - and that the government should consider toughening them up until a vaccine can be implemented.
Tier 1, she said, had shown 'very little effect'. A toughening of tiers could mean more restrictions on households mixing from early December, as families across the country hold on to hope for Christmas with loved ones.
Speaking at a Downing Street briefing, Dr Hopkins said the higher tiers appeared to be working well before the second lockdown was introduced. "We have recognised that the tiering of