THE Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown in response to rising coronavirus case numbers across the UK, to take effect from midnight tonight, Monday, January 4.

In his address to the nation this evening, Boris Johnson instructed people to stay at home and only to leave their house for essential reasons, such as shopping, working (if not possible to work from home), exercise, medical assistance, and to escape domestic abuse at home.

He advised that people identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable must begin shielding, and like last time, they will receive a letter from the government or their GP in coming days with further guidance.

Primary and secondary schools and colleges are to move to remote learning from tomorrow (Tuesday, January 5), except for children who are vulnerable or whose parents are key workers. Children eligible for free school meals will continue to receive assistance, and the government will provide devices to aid pupils’ remote learning.

Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Johnson said all the new measures would last until at least the middle of February.

He said the weeks ahead would be the "hardest yet" as a new more infectious variant of the virus spreads across the UK.

The PM added that he believed the country was entering "the last phase of the struggle".

Hospitals were under "more pressure from Covid than at any time since the start of the pandemic", he said.

And he reiterated the slogan used earlier in the pandemic, urging people to "stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives".

Support and childcare bubbles will continue under the new measures - and people can meet one person from another household for outdoor exercise.

Communal worship and life events like funerals and weddings can continue, subject to limits on attendance.

While Mr Johnson said end-of-year exams would not take place as normal in the summer, he said alternative arrangements would be announced separately.

The government has published a 22-page document outlining the new rules in detail.

The House of Commons has been recalled to allow MPs to vote on the new restrictions on Wednesday.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) said: “Devon residents have done well over the Christmas and New Year period to help prevent the sharp rise in positive cases that many other parts of the country are currently experiencing.

"While case numbers here in Devon are relatively low compared to many parts of the country, we are still seeing cases rise.

“The new strain of coronavirus is exceptionally good at spreading between people, which is why the government is imposing new national restrictions requiring everyone to stay at home as much as possible and to minimise their time with others, except those in their immediate household or bubble.

“The vaccination programme, although now starting to be delivered to priority groups, will take a time to reach everyone. While its arrival and roll out is very positive news, we must not wait for it, nor rely on it alone.

“Right now, I ask everyone to pull together and to follow the new national lockdown restrictions, the details of which we will learn more about over the next day or so.

“Please, stay at home and only go out when you need to, and minimise your contact with other people.

"If you must be outside, please continue to follow social distancing rules, wear a face covering in public places, and wash your hands properly and regularly.

“For parents of school-age children and college students, please look out for guidance from your schools or colleges regarding their plans for remote learning.”

The rules say:

• People cannot leave their homes except for certain reasons, like the first lockdown last March

• These include essential medical needs, food shopping, exercise and work for those who cannot do so from home

• All schools and colleges will close to most pupils from tomorrow, Tuesday, with remote learning until February half term

• Early years settings such as nurseries will stay open

• End-of-year exams will not take place this summer as normal

• Elsewhere, university students should not return to campuses and will be taught online

• Restaurants can continue to offer delivery of food, but takeaway alcohol will be banned

• Outdoor sports venues - such as golf courses, tennis courts and outside gyms - must close

• Amateur team sports are not allowed, but elite sport such as Premier League football can continue.

However, the Prime Minister said there was hope in that the new vaccine was being rolled out from today.

On Monday, the UK recorded more than 50,000 new confirmed Covid cases for the seventh day in a row.

A further 58,784 cases and an additional 407 deaths within 28 days of a positive test result were reported, though deaths in Scotland were not recorded.

For the latest coronavirus guidance please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus .