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Top U.K. Medic Warns Boris Johnson’s Plans Won’t Stop Virus

Whitty: More action vital after Liverpool put at highest level
Scientists warned of ‘catastrophic consequences’ of inaction

A security guard uses hand sanitser outside a pub in Liverpool, on Oct. 11. — A security guard uses hand sanitser outside a pub in Liverpool, on Oct. 11.
Photographer: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP via Getty Images

By

Emily Ashton and

October 12, 2020, 2:50 PM UTCUpdated onOctober 13, 2020, 12:23 AM UTC

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced bars and pubs will be closed in the worst-hit parts of England from Wednesday to control a surge in coronavirus, but his top health adviser said it won’t be enough.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty issued the warning after the premier set out his plan for a three-tier system of Covid alert levels, set at medium, high, and very high, to simplify the imposition of lockdown measures.