Boris Johnson has warned “tougher measures” may be required to contain the rapid spread of Covid-19.
The Prime Minister said on Sunday that the government was keeping Tier 4 measures affecting London and vast swathes of the rest of the UK under constant review.
Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show, Mr Johnson warned: “It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country. I’m fully, fully reconciled with that.”
He added: “The people of this country are reconciled to that because until the vaccine really comes on stream in a massive way, we’re fighting this virus with the same set of tools.”
As a row over the reopening of schools deepened, Mr Johnson said he has “no doubt” they are safe and parents should send primary-age children back to classrooms this week where they remain open.
Primary schools in London have been ordered to stay shut to help contain the spread of the virus – but others across the UK are currently expected to open from Monday.
Mr Johnson said he understood people’s concerns about children returning for the new term but said education is “a priority”.